Donuts & Divorce: A Family Law Podcast

In this episode, Attorneys Dorothy O'Neil and Aleksandra Kocelko discuss relocation in PA: what it is, whether parents can easily move out of state with children, and what the legal requirements are for relocation.   Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certi...

In this episode, Attorney Dorothy O'Neil is joined by Michelle Butcher, LPC, to discuss how family and friends can be a support system for those going through a separation or divorce.  More importantly, they discuss what family and friends SHOULD NOT do or say to loved ones going through a divorce. Michelle Butcher, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Divorce Mediator with Cogni...

In this episode, Dorothy interviews Attorney Michelle (Elle) Barr regarding the benefits of using the well-known resource and app, OurFamilyWizard.  This resource has been used in and out of courts to assist families transitioning to a co-parenting relationship post-separation.   Attorney Michelle (Elle) Barr is an experienced Court Attorney with a demonstrated history of working in the legal serv...

In this episode, Dorothy interviews Dr. Eric Bernstein to discuss Parental Alienation, and the impact on custody case.  Dr. Eric Bernstein was previously interviewed in our Custody Evaluations episode. Dr. Bernstein is a Licensed Psychologist and he is most widely recognized for his work as an evaluator in child custody, child dependency, and juvenile delinquency cases.   Dorothy O'Neil, Esq....

In this episode, Dorothy discussed cheating/infidelity/adultery, and its impact on divorces and separation. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.  If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy O'Neil at info@boklawfirm....

In this episode Dorothy is joined by Co-Founding Partner, Attorney Aleksandra Kocelko to discuss cohabitation and living with someone with whom you are in a relationship, but not married.  There are legal ramifications that people often don't consider in entering into this relationship, especially when they choose to purchase a house together, without being married. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq....

In this episode, Dorothy interviews Tanya Bashor to discuss narcissism, and the impact of narcissism on divorce cases.   Tanya Bashor is a Certified Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coach, Hypnotherapist & Brainspotting Practitioner, and the owner of Impart Clarity, LLC.  Tanya offers information, education, strategies for those who have been emotionally abused by narcissistic personalities.   Dor...

In this episode, Dorothy interviews Dr. Jonathan Impellizzeri, or "Dr. J" to discuss "marital purgatory" and what options or resources are available to married persons whose marriages are at the brink of "Do I Stay or Do I Go?" Dr. Jonathan Impellizzeri, PhD, LPC, LMFT, ACS, BC-TMH, also knows as "Dr. J" is the first Certified Gottman Couple Therapist (CGT)...

In this Episode, Dorothy is joined by Co-Founder of BOK Law & Mediation Services, Attorney Aleksandra Kocelko, to discuss dating after your separation, when it is appropriate to notify your ex, and when it is appropriate to introduce your significant other to your children. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family La...

In this episode, Attorneys Dorothy O'Neil and Aleksandra Kocelko outline what you should do, and what you should avoiding doing during your initial separation from your ex. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.  If you have...

It's 2022 and a New Year!  If your New Year's resolution involves finalizing that separation, or initiating that divorce, Dorothy suggested pursuing this as you would a New Year's resolution, and breaks down how to do that! Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practi...

In this episode, Dorothy is joined by Lynn MacBeth to discuss the impact divorce or separation can have on children, including how children can interpret the divorce or separation. Lynn MacBeth is recognized both locally and nationally as a leading conflict mediator.  Her practice focuses on workplace, family, business, and liability cases.  She holds the designation of Advanced Practitioner and i...

In this Episode, Dorothy is joined by Donna Cheswick, owner of Cheswick Divorce Solutions, to discuss the financial impact of divorce on parties.   Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.  If you have any questions, please contact...

In this Episode, Dorothy is joined by co-founder Aleksandra Kocelko to discuss how to navigate the holidays during a divorce or separation.  Whether it is your first time navigating the holidays after separation, or you've been doing it for years, we offer some tips and tricks on how to get through the holidays with some optimism! Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of...

In this episode, Attorney O'Neil is joined by Theresa Hutchinson to navigate the complex world of social security.  Over the last several years, there has been a significant increase in divorces of couples aged 55 years and older, which can have an impact on retirement and social security. Theresa Hutchinson is the Vice President of Medallion Wealth Management with more than 35 years of finan...

In this episode, Dorothy explains what the Collaborative Process is, and why it could be a better out-of-court option for your family.   Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.  If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy O&...

In this episode, Dorothy is joined by Attorney Aleksandra Kocelko to discuss the intersection of divorces with estate planning, including wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst...

In this episode, Dorothy is joined by Attorney Margaret "Maggie" Prescott from the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh to discuss intimate partner violence and Protection from Abuse actions. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certifie...

In this Episode, Attorney Dorothy O'Neil reviews the growing trend of parties using Mediation to settle their divorce.   Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.  If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy O'Neil a...

In this episode, Dorothy is joined by fellow Founding Partner Attorney Rachael Bowe to discuss spousal support in divorce cases.  Dorothy and Rachael explain the three forms of spousal support in PA (spousal support, APL, and alimony) and the differences between them.   Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediat...

In this episode, Dorothy is joined by her Partner and fellow Founding Member Attorney Rachael Bowe to discuss the basics of child support.  This is Part 1 of a two-part episode series featuring Rachael Bowe. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC.  She is a Family Law Mediator, Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, and Certified Divorce F...

In this episode, Dorothy interviews Dr. Paul Herman regarding the impact of drug and alcohol addiction in divorce cases, and how drug and alcohol evaluations can be used. Dr. Paul Herman is a Psychotherapist and Clinical Evaluator at Allegheny Psychological and Counseling Services in Pittsburgh, PA.  He specializes in treating anxiety and depression, addictive disorders, codependency, and other re...

In this episode, Attorney Dorothy O'Neil discusses Premarital Agreements and how they can be an important tool in managing your marriage.  Learn what they are, what terms can be included, what stigmas are attached to them, and how premarital mediation can be a great option for implementing a Premarital Agreement. Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Medi...

Taking control of your divorce narrative is perhaps the most important part of your divorce or separation.  In this episode, Dorothy explains the importance of developing your divorce story, including what a divorce story is, and what you will tell family/friends versus what you will tell your children.   Dorothy O'Neil, Esq. is a Partner and Founding Member of BOK Law & Mediation Service...

In this episode, Dorothy is joined by Private Wealth Advisor, Kiersten McCort, to talk about how budgets are used in divorces, and what you can do with the settlement proceeds in a divorce or separation. Kiersten McCort has more than 22 years of experience as a Private Wealth Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor with The McCort Baker Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Amer...