Divorce Guide: September 12th, 2025
Divorce happens, and then we start fresh.
If this support resonated with you, tap the ❤️ to let us know you’re out there. Know someone who’s walking this path too? Forward this to them—this space is for all of us.
💌 The Divorce Guide is your go-to newsletter for navigating life before, during, and after divorce with confidence and clarity. We bring you expert resources, practical tips, and real-life inspiration to help you move forward with ease.
A Letter from Olivia –
We know divorce isn’t just paperwork and court dates—it’s a series of oh no, now what?! moments that can stop you in your tracks. That’s why we’ve created a new series for the Divorce Guide called Divorce Happens: Survival Scenarios. Each one takes a real, gut-punch moment from divorce and pairs it with clear, compassionate guidance from trusted experts.
Our first scenario?
👉 “Help, I was just served with divorce papers and I have no idea what to do!”
If you’ve been there, you know the feeling: your heart races, your mind spins, and suddenly you’re holding an envelope that changes everything. It’s overwhelming, and it’s hard to know which step to take first.
That’s where our experts step in. In this first Survival Scenario, divorce mediator and attorney Mardi Chadwick-Balcom breaks down what to do in those first 24 hours, which documents to gather, and how to respond with intention. Her advice will help you move from panic to preparation—and remind you that even in the messiest moments, you still have choices. Check out her guidance HERE.
This is just the beginning of the series. Each month, we’ll bring you more scenarios and expert advice designed to meet you right where you are, in the thick of it. Because divorce happens—and when it does, we want you to feel supported, prepared, and a little less alone.
We’ve got your back. Always.
xo Olivia
PS. Do you need support RIGHT NOW? An expert? A resource? Reply to this email and we’ll respond with the support you need! 👉 💌 💬
✨ FREE Divorce Resource Consults with Olivia Howell ✨
Thinking about divorce? Already in the thick of it? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Fresh Starts Registry’s co-founder and CEO, Olivia Howell, is offering free 15-minute Divorce Resource Consults—a quick, confidential space where you can share what kind of support you’re looking for. After your chat, Olivia will send you a personalized email packed with vetted experts, resources, and next steps you can actually use.
This isn’t therapy. It isn’t coaching. It’s a lifeline to the right tools and people who can help you through divorce—without overwhelm, without guesswork. Olivia is a certified life, success, and divorce coach, and every consult is 100% safe and confidential.
👉 Spots fill quickly—click here to book your free consult.
🎧 Listen to this podcast episode:
3 Things I Learned from My Divorce with Amanda Goetz, author of Toxic Grit: In this episode of Divorce Happens, Amanda Goetz —two-time founder, four-time CMO, and author of Toxic Grit—shares the hard lessons her divorce taught her about money, power, and self-discovery. She opens up about financial manipulation despite earning over $200K a year, the importance of mediation, and the emotional discipline of responding with facts instead of feelings. More than survival, Amanda frames divorce as a transformation—a cocoon moment to reclaim your story, step into main character energy, and build a life aligned with your highest self.
📖 Recent Reads - have you seen these?
What Happens When Co-Parents Can’t Agree on Anything?: Sometimes co-parenting after divorce isn’t just hard—it’s impossible, and that’s when “high-conflict co-parenting” begins. When every decision turns into a battle, courts may step in with highly detailed parenting plans, assign decision-making authority, or even recommend parallel parenting to keep the peace.
What to Do When Your Ex’s New Partner Posts Photos of Your Kids on Social Media (even after you asked them not to!): When your ex’s new partner ignores your request and posts photos of your kids online, it’s not just about pictures—it’s about boundaries, respect, and protecting your children’s privacy in a world where digital footprints last forever.
What to Do If You’re Locked Out of the Marital Home During Divorce: Being locked out of your marital home during divorce is more than inconvenient—it’s frightening, destabilizing, and often unsafe. While both spouses typically have equal rights to the property until a court grants exclusive use, forcing your way back in can escalate conflict or backfire legally.
💫 Affirmations for divorced humans:
I release what no longer serves me, and I welcome the peace and freedom that come with starting again.
My resilience is proof that I can build a life that feels like home to me.
Each day, I choose courage over fear, and I trust that joy will find me in unexpected ways.
🛠️ Divorce tools to make life a little easier:
Looking for support without the overwhelm? Our Experts and Fresh Starts offer free resources, groups, and workshops to help you through every stage of starting over. Come see what’s available—you don’t have to do this alone.
Remember, we’re so proud of you! We’re always here if you need us. You got this.
If this support resonated with you, tap the ❤️ to let us know you’re out there. Know someone who’s walking this path too? Forward this to them—this space is for all of us.
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