In this episode 262 you will learn the following: Maria’s journey as a Step Daughter Maria’s journey as a Step Parent Maria’s journey adopting her Step Daughter What to look for in a potential spouse who has a biological child from another person #stepchild #stepparent #adoption #podcast #divorcepodcast #amicabledivorce Maria Natapov Bio Stepparenting Expert and Trusted Advisor to Divorce Professionals, Financial Advisors, and Parenting Coaches Maria offers a caring and playful coaching approach...
Feb 07, 2024•59 min•Ep. 264
In this episode you will learn the following: Communication is the key in exercising control in a divorce Speaking up for yourself is an ongoing process How to keep control in your co-parenting role #communication #control #victim #co-parenting #divorce #mediation #childsupportservices #roleplay #toneofvoice #mediator #lawyer
Jan 31, 2024•28 min•Ep. 263
In this episode, you will learn the following: Your emotional attachment to money The way in which money defines you; your money type The way in which money affects you Why your spouse may argue over having to pay child support Why your spouse may resist dividing assets How you can navigate around your spouse’s resistance to not paying child or spousal support, and resistance to dividing assets #money #emotionalintelligence #wealth #ego #fear #gratitude #childsupport #spousalsupport #alimoney #t...
Jan 24, 2024•49 min•Ep. 262
In this episode you will learn the following: You are not a failure because you’re getting divorced. Everything we experience in life is a learning lesson. It’s how we change as a result of our experiences that matters. If you believe you are the one who eroded the marriage and divorce is now inevitable, you can change the emotional trajectory of the divorce by apologizing. Apologize without putting any blame on your spouse. After the apology, change your behavior to whatever it needed to be in ...
Jan 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 261
In Episode258 you will learn the following: Honesty is good for emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. Divorce is fraught with dishonesty to mask fear, hurt, and possibly the knowledge that people have knowingly chosen to marry the wrong person. Divorce can be the event that forces people to self-correct and turn fear into the most truthful and honest conversation they’ve ever had. Once people have the courage to speak honestly, and the commitment to be authentically truthful, their ...
Jan 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 260
In this episode you will learn the following: In the world of divorce, communication - what you say and how you say it - either helps or hinders how you and your spouse get through the process. The Three Key Elements in successfully handling threatening communication with your spouse: Listen. Listen without Interrupting. Listen to Learn. Ask “Why?” Address his/her Reasons for the Threats People threaten and become unreasonable because of Fear. #divorce #podcast #divorcepodcast #communication #fe...
Jan 03, 2024•44 min•Ep. 259
In this episode you will learn the following: Childhood development starts in the womb and is critically important until age 2 to set the foundation for who your baby can possibly be. Your baby is communicating with you through every sound they make. The parents’ role is to communicate back. The games parents play with their newborns each have a learning function to them. It’s important that parents discuss what is priority to them in how they raise their child before having children. Consistenc...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 258
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert you will learn the following: What is behind the co-parenting relationship Accepting that there are predispositions to challenges in intimate relationships How healthy are any of us in our determinations for the right spouse for us What is Fair and Unfair in relationship challenges that confront us How to negotiate for money without using the word “fair” Parental Alienation Advocates; Family Disappeared Podcast; 12 Step Support Group to help divorci...
Dec 13, 2023•58 min•Ep. 257
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you will learn the following: The definitions of anger Where anger fits in the seven Stages of Divorce Grief Types of Anger The importance of therapy and self-reflection to deal with anger. The three types of Anger, and what is good anger. Examples of using good anger to advance the divorce in a positive way. The benefits of being able to control anger. #anger #control #emotions #therapy #communication #communicationskills #communicationtechniques ...
Dec 06, 2023•31 min•Ep. 256
I. Mediation is an opportunity to compromise. To create a settlement that works for everyone. It’s not an argument. It’s not therapy. II. People should know the law going into the mediation, and be prepared to work around the law for a compromise that benefits both spouses. III. Typical Mediation Challenges and How to Handle Them Spousal Support (alimony) is a non-starter. Separate Property Money (inheritance or savings) became community property money. I will only accept a 50/50 custody. I’m no...
Nov 29, 2023•52 min•Ep. 255
In this episode you will learn the following: Divorce will unhinge anyone. It’s how people deal with divorce that will benefit them in their divorce and after. You need the professionals who you hire for the divorce to care about you. You need your soon-to-be former spouse to care about you as a co-parent if you have minor children, and as a negotiator when you work on your divorce settlement. How do you get those involved in the divorce to care about you? What does it mean to care about yoursel...
Nov 22, 2023•28 min•Ep. 254
Spousal Support Even though child support is considered more important than spousal support/alimony, spousal support is much harder to deal with both for the spouses and the legal professionals who provide service: Attorneys, Mediators, Divorce Coaches, Document Preparation person, Therapists. History of spousal support Not gender-driven, while gender plays a huge role when the woman makes more than the man. Reasons for spousal support How to Prepare for the Mediation for spousal support The Neg...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 253
Episode 250: Can anyone Take the High Road in Divorce? w/Andy Heller, author, businessman Define High Road as it pertains to divorce What is the crucial hole in the self-help space that you saw with your own divorce, and wanted to fill with your book? Topics that aren’t covered a lot in divorce podcasts, and are in your book Why shouldn’t one spouse speak badly about the other spouse, especially their mental health assessment of the other spouse? When to hold and when to fold in co-parenting? Th...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 252
I. Include everything in the marital settlement agreement and refer to the settlement agreement to avoid arguments II. Avoid Arguments by Looking at all Aspects of the Co-Parenting Relationship a. Third Party to pick children up from school or after school event b. Pick-up Late Clause c. Asking for co-parent’s help in the other co-parent’s house d. When children don’t want to go to other parent’s house e. Attending children’s school events, sitting together f. Introducing new partner to other pa...
Nov 01, 2023•40 min•Ep. 251
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert you will learn the following: Define Terms under the label of Gifted High-functioning Learning Disabled Gifted Neorodivergent Down Syndrome Autistic Retarded Dyslexic Communication How do children and their parents communicate the children’s needs Socializing within a Gifted and Neurodivergent Community How do divorcing spouses co-parent if one of the parents is resistant to their child’s needs and diagnosis #giftedchildren #neurodivergent #coparent...
Oct 25, 2023•49 min•Ep. 250
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you will learn the following: That emotions will run rampant throughout the divorce. How to manage those emotions. The benefit in managing those emotions. The timing of dealing with those emotions. The importance of grieving before filing The 7 stages of divorce grief, and the significance of Forgiveness. #emotions #grieving #managingemotions #timing #griefstages #forgiveness #filing #emotionaldivorce #legaldivorce #acceptance...
Oct 18, 2023•35 min•Ep. 249
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert podcast, you will learn the following: Different states have different laws. New California law for pet custody: Best Interests of the Pets https://minellalawgroup.com/blog/how-the-new-pet-custody-law-works-in-california/ How to Mediate Pet Custody Prior ownership Attachment between animal and pet owner Living arrangements post-divorce Dividing animals post-divorce Long Distance care Ability of each pet owner to be a responsible pet parent The finan...
Oct 11, 2023•31 min•Ep. 248
In this Episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you will learn the following: Why Fear is part of Divorce The importance of being honest with all aspects of the divorce An easy way of researching assets and debts to verify accuracy in your spouse’s Discovery Why lying on Income Tax Reports will come back to haunt you How Honesty in the financial part of the divorce will benefit everyone How being Honest with yourself can benefit the divorce, the co-parenting relationship, and your emotional and ...
Oct 04, 2023•31 min•Ep. 247
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you will learn the following: How do you know if you married the wrong person? The age at which we marry matters. When do you call it quits? Is the idea of being a young parent the same now as it used to be years ago? When should a married couple have children? How should a married couple be aligned before becoming parents? Should one spouse share with their spouse that they may have made a wrong decision to marry? When you meet someone who fulfill...
Sep 27, 2023•47 min•Ep. 246
Forgiveness is one of the 7 Stages of Divorce Grief It’s the last stage and the most important one in order to release anger, bring serenity, and become whole again. “Through the act of forgiveness, we cleanse ourselves of the pain and anger that kept us stuck in the past,” Dan Mager, Therapist, in an article in Psychology Today. Forgiveness is for the one forgiving. People mistaken forgiveness as an a get-out-of-jail free card that releases the other person from the responsibility of their acti...
Sep 20, 2023•41 min•Ep. 245
On this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you’ll learn the following: 1. Being a Victim is a Choice, not a Requirement. Why some people choose Victimhood in their marriages. a. Learned behavior from parents’ relationship. b. Feelings of personal insecurity. c. Fear of losing the relationship. 2. How to know when you’re a Victim. a. You give the power of decision-making to your spouse, even when it doesn’t make sense. b. You fear bringing up topics to your spouse, like the finances of the f...
Sep 13, 2023•27 min•Ep. 244
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you will learn the following: It’s the words we choose and the tone of voice we use that will give us the strength we need in our communication How not to be verbally bullied How to respond to toxic communication The secret advantage of not engaging in fighting No need to justify yourself in divorce negotiations Less is more in the War of Words BIFF is your toxic communication approach Don’t Threaten Court even if Court is necessary. Just suggest i...
Sep 06, 2023•44 min•Ep. 243
1. If you knowingly married the wrong person, admit it in the divorce and correct the record. A. You will then be mediating from a point of authenticity and strength. B. You don’t have to negotiate the settlement outside of the laws of your state, but the voice you will have in the negotiation will be stronger, will not be blaming, but instead will be a voice from truth, and the truth will set you emotionally free. People think that getting more of a settlement than they thought they could get i...
Aug 30, 2023•34 min•Ep. 242
In Episode 239 of THE Amicable Divorce Expert podcast, you will learn the following: How life insurance can protect your child and spousal support payments How life insurance can provide for long-term care financial assistance The security of receiving life insurance for income tax free money The difference between the 529 Plan vs Life Insurance for the children’s colleges LifeHappens.org explains the differences in all types of insurance, to include Disability Insurance, Long-Term Care Insuranc...
Aug 23, 2023•34 min•Ep. 241
On this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert podcast, you will learn the following: Divorce Statistics for multiple marriages Why people continue to divorce in multiple marriages Different reasons for divorces How having children changes the marital relationship How working together as a married couple affects the marriage The importance of getting along during divorce, and the rising expense of legal representation Grieving the loss of the marriage is paramount before hiring lawyers and filin...
Aug 16, 2023•49 min•Ep. 240
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you will learn the following: What a Voluntary Settlement Conference (VSC) is. Who comprises and attends a VSC. Purpose of a VSC. The Judge in a VSC is chosen by both sides. The Judge is a Private Judge. The Judge in a VSC can be directive in terms of how a Judge in a divorce trial will more than likely decide on issues. What a DissoMaster calculator does for child and spousal support/alimony, and how to use it for support. VSCs take place outside ...
Aug 09, 2023•43 min•Ep. 239
On this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert you will learn the following: The services available to the public The cost involved in using the Self-Help Center The availabilities and importance of language services/translators Who qualifies for free court services How is mediation provided if connected to a case How culture affects mediation How Judges are required to render decisions Managing expectations of people scheduled for Hearings How and when mediation is used within the court system ...
Aug 02, 2023•52 min•Ep. 238
You will learn the following: How to approach the emotions that come up when the decision to divorce takes place. How to deal with grief and fear. Set an intent to handle the emotions in a positive way. Why are words important in divorce language? What is Trauma Bonding? How to choose a support group, and surround yourself with, who will keep your emotions positive. Are you in the Fear Rabbit Hole? Self-care is not optional. It gets you out of fear How grief can be a learning opportunity. How do...
Jul 26, 2023•48 min•Ep. 237
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert, you will learn the following: Getting Legal Advice is being Disloyal to Your Spouse. “We decided we wanted to keep it amicable, and going to an attorney makes it litigious.” Filing a Response to the Petition makes the divorce contentious. More parenting time will be given to Mom. The fear of most men. “The Judge will see my side if we go to court.” The ruder the lawyer, the better the outcome for their client. The Mediator or Document Preparation p...
Jul 19, 2023•46 min•Ep. 236
In this episode of THE Amicable Divorce Expert podcast you will learn the following: Why Laughter is Important Why physical exercise is necessary Why the combination of exercise with laughter is golden The emotional effects of laughter The physical effects of laughter Scientific evidence that laughter is the best medicine How stress can cause serious life illness Suggestions for exercise with laughter #stress #laughter #exercise #self-care #divorce #MayoClinic #medicine #illness #podcast #amicab...
Jul 12, 2023•25 min•Ep. 235
