Grown Girl Divorce Podcast

We have all heard "to err is human, to forgive, is divine" and during a divorce this is especially true.  You will make mistakes during your divorce but it's important to forgive yourself, learn from them, and do better.  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, discusses the six mistakes to avoid before filing for a divorce: 1. Threatening divorce; 2. Not researching your State and local laws...

This is not a sponsored or affiliate podcast. Are you struggling to communicate with your co-parent? Or, are you constantly at odds about changes in the parenting schedule?  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., discusses the co-parenting apps and programs that she has referred to her mediation and litigation clients over the years and has witnessed the improvement in their co-parenti...

Co-parenting can be challenging at times even in amicable co-parent relationships.  Yet, is a different challenge and experience when navigating co-parenting with a narcissist. In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. explains: - The importance of setting and maintaining boundaries; - Knowing what you can (and cannot) control in co-parenting relationships; - Navigating the drama, manipula...

Getting divorced is expensive and not everyone can afford to hire a lawyer. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, explains things you can do if you can't afford, or at least think you can't afford, to work with a lawyer during your divorce including: 1.  The free and low cost legal resources you should access; 2. Understanding and navigating the self-representation pr...

Thank you for listening to the Grown Girl Divorce Podcast. Our mission is to educate and empower listeners just like you through divorce and family matters. We hope the information shared on the podcast gives you information and inspiration to move forward in a direction that works best for you! One of the ways we hope to inspire is through our "Girl, I've Been There Too Series," which profiles Bl...

Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes, right? Well, let's make sure you are prepared!  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, guides you through the four things you must know about preparing taxes during divorce so you don't waste time, lose money, or end up receiving a notice from the IRS! In this episode, Kimberly explains: 1. The importance of working wi...

You've heard about "mediation" but you don't REALLY know what it is, right?  Or, you aren't sure if mediation is right for you? We got you! In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, gives you the information you need to make an informed decision about mediation including: 1.  Defining divorce mediation 2. The benefits of mediation; 3. The Mediator's role; 4. Initiating mediation; 5. What to loo...

There is nothing worse than feeling defeated or experiencing a setback - especially during a divorce.  However, all is not lost and things can (and will) get better!  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, discussing how to navigate divorce process setbacks, moving beyond feeling defeated, and push forward to reach your goals! Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black w...

Are you ready for the new year? If you're considering or going through a divorce, then this is the perfect opportunity to start things off on the right foot or to reset how you're proceeding in the current divorce process. In this episode, our host, Kimberly A Cook, Esq., discusses the "do's and don'ts" of the divorce process to start your year, or process, in the best way possible.  Grown Girl Di...

The holidays can be an especially trying time when dealing with a divorce or parenting matters. However, it can be  "the most wonderful time of the year" with a bit of planning, preparation, and a lot of patience! Happy Holidays! In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., answers podcast listeners questions related to the holidays including: - Should we tell the children about the divorce...

Are you legally separated or divorced? Is there a difference? If so, does it really matter?  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares: - Why you should know the legal difference between legal separation and divorce; - The benefits of legal separation; - The benefits of divorce; - Impact on your family and finances depending on your marital status; and - The most important thing to do wh...

Need a gift idea for a special child? Giving a gift brings so much joy to both the giver and receiver especially during a challenging or transitional time such as a divorce.  In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares 8 gift ideas to give to children of all ages and for all budgets during their parents divorce.    Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatabilit...

Mediation is a great option for families to resolve divorce, custody, alimony, child support matters, and more.  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. shares why Black families in particular should choose mediation for divorce and family matters. Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black women considering and going through a divorce. These are girlfriend conversat...

Being "thankful" for the good things in our lives can be hard to do when we are going through a difficult time. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares things to be thankful for even in the midst of divorce.   Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black women considering and going through a divorce. These are girlfriend conversations to educat...

Do you have a friend going through a divorce and don't know how to support her? In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., answers the following questions from listeners: 1. How can I support a friend going through a divorce? 2. Should I agree to testify as a witness in my friend's custody trial? 3. What boundaries should I put in place while supporting my friend thr...

Going through a divorce is an emotional experience and many women use shopping as an emotional release. However, allowing your emotions to drive the process can have significant financial and legal implications which can be more costly than most women bargain for.  In this episode, Kimberly shares: - The importance of shopping around to find the right lawyer, Mediator, and other professionals; - B...

The recent Order of Protection obtained by actress, Keke Palmer, against her ex-boyfriend sent shock waves through the community. Unfortunately, being in an abusive relationship is the reality for many of our sisters.  According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 40% of Black women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking in...

A Phoenix is a mythical bird who regenerates and rises from the ashes from which it burned. Our guest today, Phoenix, shares her personal journey on: - Why it can be hard to leave a relationship even when it's not safe to stay; - The fallacy of success and perfection in life and love; - How faith can shape your divorce journey; - The strength that comes from surrounding yourself with good people;...

You've asked and we are ready to answer!  Join podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. as she answers questions from our listeners. In this episode, Kimberly answers: 1. What's the biggest mistake parents make in mediation? 2. When should I return to Court to address issues with my co-parent? 3. Do we have to share the holidays? 4. My co-parent's new spouse is making decisions about my child.  What c...

The holiday season is upon us! For divorced parents, especially parents in multi-race, multi-cultural, or multi-belief families, this time of year can bring more conflict than celebration but it doesn't have to be that way! In this episode, Kimberly explores how to make the holiday season a joyous time for everyone: -  The importance of Acknowledgement of Different Beliefs and Traditions; - Why ha...

 We have all been inundated with details about Jada & Will Smith's marriage despite not asking for it. There are more than enough "think pieces," comedy monologues, and gossip column headlines to last a lifetime.  Our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., had no interest or plans to speak on any of it but felt compelled to do so after hearing Jada's statement about divorce.  In this episode, Kimberly...

In this episode, Kimberly admits that she has been the very friend that she warned you about (i.e., the friend with limited capacity) and why you deserve better.     Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black women considering and going through a divorce. These are girlfriend conversations to educate and empower you through the process. Our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., is a h...

You've got questions?! Well, our podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, is ready to answer them.  If we are truly a community of support, then answering the questions that are keeping many of our sisters up at night is what needs to happen! In this episode, Kimberly answers: 1. I am breast feeding. Will the other parent still get parenting time? 2. My Ex wants a 50/50 parenting schedule but I believe it'...

A self-care episode to help you channel your "worries" during divorce.  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares: 1. Setting boundaries on "worry," 2. Understanding what you can and cannot control during a divorce, 3. How focusing on the big picture can make a difference, and 4. The daily reminder to tell yourself when you feel overwhelmed with worry. Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a spa...

Safiri means "journey" in Swahili.  Our guest today, Safiri, shares her story about divorce and co-parenting: - how divorce played a role in her self-discovery, - why setting and maintaining boundaries is important during and after divorce, - the personal and professional benefits of a parenting schedule, and - the impact long separations can have on moving forward. The Girl, I've Been There Too S...