Grown Girl Divorce Podcast

These days social media can feel like a lifeline as a space to share, connect, or cope with the everyday ups and downs that life brings! But, what you post online can have lasting consequences offline especially during your divorce.   In this episode,  Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. provides helpful reminders of the social media mistakes to avoid during divorce.  Whether y...

Divorce has a way of teaching you things you never asked to learn and some of those lessons hit hard. In this candid episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. talks about three of the toughest truths that often surface during the divorce process: (1) Fair is subjective, (2) No one is innocent (or perfect), and (3) Sometimes, you just have to let it go. If you’re navigating d...

Yep, we said it - the legal system is not fair or your friend!  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. confronts the hard truths that the legal system is not built to be fair and it's definitely not your friend. If you're considering divorce, or going through one, it's important to understand how the court system actually works, and not how you wish it would. Kimb...

When stress is high and emotions run deep, communication can easily become a source of conflict instead of a path to resolution.  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., breaks down six common communication mistakes that can derail your progress. Kimberly discusses the following six mistakes:  Letting Emotions Drive Decisions – Learn why reacting instead of respon...

This special Mother's Day episode is dedicated to all the mothers navigating divorce while balancing career, motherhood, and self-preservation. If you go by mom, mama, or mother, then this episode is for you!  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. shares five reminders to carry you through this season of life including permission to prioritize your peace, celebra...

In every divorce or custody matter, transparency with your attorney or mediator is essential for a successful outcome. Failing to disclose key details can severely damage your credibility in court, weaken your case, and lead to costly legal fees due to unnecessary complications and surprises.  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. explains how the breakdown in th...

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or Child Representative plays an instrumental role in your custody case. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. explains how to prepare for working with a GAL or Child Representative in your custody case, ensuring you make a solid impression while keeping your child’s best interests at the forefront. Kimberly explains what a GAL or Child...

It's time to take control of your legal costs and protect your financial future. Understanding how legal retainers work can save you time, money, and frustration during your divorce or custody case. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce Podcast Host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. breaks down what a legal retainer is, how attorneys apply it to your case, and key strategies to maximize its value.  Kimberly s...

Navigating a divorce or custody case can be overwhelming, but having the right experts on your team can make all the difference. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., introduces us to six key professionals who may play a pivotal rule in your divorce or custody case:  the Parenting Coordinator, Guardian Ad Litem or Child Representative, Custody Evaluator, Financi...

Many people assume that an extramarital affair will automatically determine the outcome of their divorce, but the reality is more nuanced.  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. explains the nuances including the impact of living in a no-fault or fault-based divorce state.  However, even in no-fault states, infidelity can still influence critical aspects of the divorce p...

Navigating a divorce is already challenging, but when you and your soon-to-be-ex are still living under the same roof, it can become even more complicated. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq.,  provides essential guidance for managing the difficulties of cohabiting during a divorce.  Kimberly discusses four key areas to help you protect your well-being and succ...

Divorce can be expensive - really expensive!  Oh, and we are not just talking about your attorney's fees.  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. pulls the curtain back to expose the divorce costs people don't talk about but certainly get hit with!  If you are considering a divorce, going through a divorce, or helping a friend through her divorce, then be sure to listen to this episode...

Every divorce is unique and should be treated as such. Yet, no divorce is so unique that it should take years to finalize. In this podcast episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. explains the common mistakes you may be making which is why your divorce is not yet finalized.  If you are unsure why your divorce is taking so long or are trying to avoid your case lasting for years, you may want to as...

Being a mother is hard - even when you aren't going through a divorce! But, going through a divorce can be especially hard for women with children because of the additional pressure of navigating a divorce while being a good mom. In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. discusses what Mother's should know and/or remember about themselves, their relationship with their children, and the di...

The client lawyer relationship is not always a good one and you need to part ways! Yes, clients fire their lawyers or get fired by their lawyers more than you know!  In this bonus episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, breaks down what to do and what not to do if you find yourself without a lawyer whether you got fired or if you're doing the firing! Even if you have a good relationship with your law...

You have question and our podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., is ready with the answers.  In this episode, Kimberly answers podcast listeners financial questions: 1. How to pay for legal fees? 2. Should I pay off debt with our joint assets? 3. Can I remove my spouse from our health insurance? 4. How can I prepare for financial mediation? 5. When should co-parents start discussing and planning fo...

I want to keep my house.  It's understandable but is it the right decision?  In this episode, our podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. discusses: 1. Getting to the real reason you want to keep the house  (newsflash - it's not just about the kids), 2.  Understanding the numbers of home ownership, 3. Breaking down cash flow considerations and having a back-up plan, 4. Setting realistic expectations...

Divorce is hard but it's so much harder because we are hard on ourselves. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. discusses the importance of giving yourself GRACE during your divorce.  For Kimberly, GRACE during your divorce means: G: Guilt Free. No matter what brought you to this process, recognizing that bearing guilt will not change the circumstances but rather...

What are you asking for in your divorce? It may seem like an obvious question but there is a good chance you don't really know!  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A Cook, explains the importance of knowing: 1. What you want in your divorce. 2. Why you want it. 3. How to go about getting what you want in your divorce. 4. When to share what you want, and more. If you are loo...

Spring is here! Now is the time for spring cleaning your divorce because it will make a huge difference in your process.  Join Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., in this podcast episode to understand the importance of spring cleaning your divorce including: 1.  The financial information and documents to update, 2. Checking and following up on important deadlines or accountabi...

Pull up a chair because we have some "tea" to share!  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, discusses the very topics that women who have been through a divorce don't talk about including: - Why you will question your decision to leave or stay; - Your weight will change; - You will do or say something that you may later regret (including that 3am text message); - Why your lawyer is not your...

No one ever wants to be on the receiving end of a notification from the Department of Family and Child Services (DCFS) (also known as Child Protective Services in some areas) that an investigation about your children's safety and welfare has been opened.  Whether you are going through a divorce or a parenting matter, the involvement of DCFS means that there is a real possibility that you will lose...

A divorce is a financial change and can significantly impact your future ability to purchase a home, open a credit card, or qualify for financial aid for your college student.  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, explains the following six things to do to protect your credit during divorce: 1. Why pulling your credit report is the first step to protecting your credit during divorce; 2. Ho...

Only Janet Jackson can "control" everything even though we often try!  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares the things you can control in your divorce including: (a) Who you hire; (b) Your actions and behavior; (c) Your relationship with your children; (d) How you show up for yourself in the divorce; and more.   In this episode, Kimberly also shares those things that you cannot cont...

The harsh reality is divorce is a negotiation. It is about give and take. From holiday parenting time to therapist selection, every aspect of parenting matters are subject to negotiation in a divorce so it's important to know the best way to negotiate to increase your chances of getting what you want (and saving time and money along the way). In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares her...