Restorative Divorce

Episode 3: The Myth of DIY Divorce DIY divorce sounds simple online. Download the forms, complete the paperwork, and move on. But is it really that simple? In this episode of The Restorative Divorce Podcast, Erin Birt discusses one of the most common misconceptions surrounding divorce: the belief that every DIY divorce saves money, reduces stress, and protects families from future conflict. Drawin...

What Is The Kitchen Table Divorce®? For generations, families gathered around kitchen tables to discuss important decisions, solve problems, and plan for the future. So why has divorce become something that immediately leaves the kitchen table and enters an adversarial system? In Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Restorative Divorce Podcast, Erin Birt discusses the philosophy behind The Kitchen Table D...

Season 4, Episode 1: Why Divorce Escalates So Quickly Most families do not begin divorce wanting conflict, but many quickly find themselves overwhelmed by fear, stress, and reactive decisions. In this opening episode of Season 4, Erin Birt discusses why divorce often escalates faster than families intended and how structure, education, and thoughtful planning can help parents move through divorce...

In this episode, we dive into how parental alcoholism (or substance misuse) can impact child custody and visitation arrangements. We’ll explore how courts evaluate the role of substance abuse in parenting decisions and the potential consequences for parents struggling with alcoholism or alcohol misuse. You'll also hear about legal strategies to protect children’s well-being and how alternative dis...

In this episode of the Restorative Divorce Podcast, we sit down with Brenda Bridges, founder of Bridging Divorce Solutions, to explore how her personal journey through an unexpected and challenging divorce inspired her to create a better, non-adversarial process for others. Brenda shares her story of transitioning from a yoga instructor to a financial advisor, the obstacles she faced, and the less...

Discover why Restorative Divorce outshines DIY and online services. Learn how our personalized, legally compliant, and emotionally supportive approach ensures long-term family well-being. Explore more at birtlaw.com.

In this enlightening episode of Restorative Divorce, we explore a topic close to every parent's heart: the power of apologizing to our children during divorce and coparenting. Join us as we delve into practical strategies and heartfelt insights to help young parents navigating dual incomes find clarity and connection in their coparenting journey. Discover the profound impact of modeling accountabi...

In this episode, Erin Birt and Tyler Birt dive into the complexities of co-parenting in an era dominated by electronic devices. Drawing from a recent blog post, they explore a pressing question: Can a co-parent power off a child's cell phone during their parenting time? The discussion touches upon the blurred lines of trust, safety concerns, and the challenges faced during unsupervised visitation....

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Mediation discusses the common challenges individuals face during the mediation process. From feeling a loss of control to dealing with false accusations, mediation can be emotionally taxing. The transcript highlights the importance of recognizing these emotions, taking breaks when necessary, and practicing self-care to overcome emotional exhaustion. It em...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of family law, exploring the nuanced benefits of in-person court appearances versus the convenience of short, quick Zoom sessions. Our expert guests shed light on why the traditional approach to court proceedings can offer a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in family matters. We also emphasize the critical role of comp...

🎙️ Dive into the complexities of co-parenting in the digital age with our latest podcast episode! Join us as we unravel the impact of electronic devices on child custody arrangements, exploring the highs and lows of navigating technology in divorced or never-married co-parenting scenarios, particularly in Illinois. 📱 In this episode, we address the ever-evolving landscape of parenting in a digita...

In this insightful episode, we bring together the legal expertise of a seasoned Divorce Attorney, Erin Birt, and the emotional guidance of skilled therapists (thank you Michael Galbraith and Bill Doherty) to delve into the complex realm of Discernment Counseling. Whether you're at a crossroads in your marriage or contemplating the divorce process, this episode provides invaluable insights into fin...

In this episode, we'll discuss the signs your marriage is on the verge of collapse. If you're feeling like your marriage is headed for trouble, then watch this video and see if you can identify any of the signs. Marital Collapse can happen quickly, so it's important to be aware of the warning signs and take action before it's too late. Listen and see if you can figure out what might be causing you...

Are you wondering if co-parenting or parallel parenting is right for you? In this episode, we'll be diving deeper into the differences between co-parenting and parallel parenting to help you decide which is right for you. We'll be discussing each type of parenting and explaining the different circumstances under which each would be the best option. After listening to this episode, you'll have a be...

Should Illinois Pet Custody Laws Change? In this episode, we'll discuss the pros and cons of changing Illinois pet custody laws. We'll look at what the court considers in pet custody, and discuss some of the problems with current laws, and how you can best talk about pet custody. If you're a pet lover in Illinois, then you know that the current pet custody laws can be tough to deal with. In this e...

In this episode, we're going to discuss three things you can learn from celebrity divorces. First, private divorces can be a valuable opportunity to learn about what works and what doesn't work when it comes to divorce. Second, honest and respectful divorces can help parties maintain a good relationship with each other in the future. Third, keeping children a priority is key when making custody an...

In this podcast, we'll discuss different mortgage options for the family centered divorce. We'll discuss different mortgage options, loan assumptions, real estate market conditions, and whether a spouse can qualify as a first time home buyer. We'll also discuss the importance of planning early to keep your house, and how a divorce mediator will help you through the divorce process. If you're consi...

In this episode we will cover divorce from a child's perspective. Join us was we dive deep into the concerns of a child of divorce and learn some tips to help restore your coparenting relationship and start to restore any parent child contact problems caused by a divorce or separation. Contact us today to discuss your family law or mediation needs. (630) 891-2478. www.birtlaw.com

Why Prep for the Holidays in Spring? If you need to mediate to change your holiday schedule with your coparent, start preparing by listening to this episode. I will cover tips for modifying your holiday parenting schedule in your custody judgment and how to navigate holidays without your children. 

Listen to Part 2 of 3 Ways to Self-Sabotage Your Divorce. In this episode we discuss how abrupt and poor decisions can effect custody during your divorce. We also explain a new way to look at that tough word, "compromise" so you don't self-sabotage your divorce. If you are thinking of a divorce exit plan or starting a divorce, we'd love to help you assess your options between mediation and the var...

If you are thinking about getting a divorce or you have learned your spouse wants a divorce, this episode is for you. In this episode we cover Part 1 of the 3 Ways to Self-Sabotoge Your Divorce. Learn from the mistakes of others to protect yourself, your children, and your divorce process. Want to know what to avoid and how to help yourself? Listen now. Contact us today for help at (630) 891-2478...

If you're going through a divorce or separation, it's important to work with a divorce attorney or mediator that understands the often overlooked details by couples.   In this episode, we're going to discuss some of the lesser known divorce details you need to know - from filing taxes to handling parenting time reviews, we'll take a look at everything you need to know to plan ahead for a succ...

Electronic devices can make coparenting especially challenging. Do you need a Coparenting Electronic Device Agreement? In this episode, we'll explore the risks of entering into an electronic device agreement with your coparent. We'll discuss how this agreement could impact your coparenting situation, and how you can mitigate these risks.  If you're contemplating entering into an electronic de...

Divorce is extremely expensive and stressful. Join Attorney and Mediator Erin Birt and Paralegal Tyler Birt to learn what is a Kitchen Table Divorce, who can have a Kitchen Table Divorce and tips for a successful Kitchen Table Divorce. If you are frustrated thinking of high legal fees and feel you don't need that, this episode is for you! Transcripts and legal assistance available at www.birtlaw.c...

Are you experiencing loneliness after divorce? It's not uncommon. You can also feel unpredictable emotions once your divorce is finalized. In this episode we talk about the unique feeling of loneliness after divorce, restoring happiness after experiencing loneliness after divorce, how grief post divorce can feel different, and ways to restore happiness. Need help after your divorce? Want to get a...