Divorce Diaries: Lessons From the Trenches

What happens when you realize the courtroom isn’t the only path to divorce? In this episode, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Azizah Ahmad, Esq., whose personal four-year battle in family court transformed how she now helps others navigate divorce. Azizah shares her story of moving from high-conflict litigation to out-of-court mediation — and how choosing dignity and collaboration can lead to healthier co-parentin...

The deepest wounds in our relationships often trace back to our earliest experiences. When divorce happens, these hidden patterns suddenly emerge, demanding our attention. In this transformative episode of Divorce Diaries, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator with Jacobson Family Law, is joined by somatic trauma recovery guide Danielle Bird as she reveals why divorce acts as a powerful catalyst for exposing attachment wounds w...

Host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator, is joined this week by Jeff Kolez as he shares his journey through a brutal seven-year divorce that cost him $100,000 and left him emotionally devastated with a "soul wound." He reveals how he developed a five-step process for healing and rebuilding trust in himself after losing friends, money, and his sense of identity.

Whether you're contemplating divorce, in the ...

Documenting the invisible battles of divorce can be your strongest defense against ongoing manipulation and control. Join host, Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator with Jacobson Family Law, as she sits down with divorce coach, Tiffany Colburn. Tiffany reveals how proper documentation becomes not just preparation for potential court appearances, but a crucial tool for recognizing harmful patterns in high-conflict co-parenting relat...

Attorney and mediator, Cary Jacobson is joined by divorce coach Jill Kaufman to tackle one of the most challenging aspects of family separation—co-parenting with high-conflict ex-spouses or narcissistic personalities. Drawing from her own difficult divorce experience and professional expertise as a therapist, Kaufman shares transformative strategies that can revolutionize even the most strained co-parenting relationships.

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The emotional aftermath of divorce often blindsides us when we least expect it. Just when the paperwork is finalized and court appearances end, a profound sense of grief emerges—catching many off guard who anticipated only feeling relief. Dr. Emma Mansour, licensed psychologist and owner of Life Matters Counseling, joins Cary Jacobson to unpack this complex emotional landscape and offer guidance for those navigating the turbulent w...

Divorce fundamentally changes who we are—and that's not something to fear, but to embrace. When former divorce attorney and certified coach Sharri Freedman joins host Cary Jacobson, she reveals the transformative power hidden within the painful process of ending a marriage. Drawing from 30+ years of experience and her innovative "liberated method," Sharri explains how understanding divorce as an identity evolution ca...

Facing family court without an attorney can feel like entering a foreign country without speaking the language. In this illuminating conversation, former family law attorney Tracey Bee reveals how she transformed her 25-year legal career into a mission helping self-represented litigants navigate the complex world of divorce and family court proceedings.

Whether you're considering self-representation by choice or neces...

The home you shared is often the most emotionally and financially complex asset to handle during divorce. With today's rising interest rates, many couples face agonizing decisions about what to do with property they purchased at historically low rates.

Bridget McGee, known as the Maryland Mortgage Mama, brings 24 years of mortgage expertise and specialized divorce lending certification to help you navigate these chall...

Frances Shefter, education attorney and former special education teacher, shares how parents can effectively advocate for their special needs children during and after divorce. Her unique experience on both sides of the IEP table helps create what she calls a "stress-free IEP experience" for families navigating complex educational systems during family transitions.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com or call 443-726-4912...

Mary Blackwood, licensed clinical marriage and family therapist and founder of the Couples and Family Institute, shares her expertise on healing family systems during divorce and separation. She reveals how communication breakdowns occur when people listen to reply rather than listening to absorb, and offers practical approaches to help families navigate transitions with less trauma and more growth.

Visit mpbhealth.com to ...

The financial intricacies of college planning become exponentially more complex when divorce enters the picture. In this episode, host Cary Jacobson sits down with Vicki Vollweiler, founder of College Financial Prep and a divorced parent herself, as she reveals game-changing strategies that can potentially save families hundreds of thousands of dollars in college costs.

Ready to transform your approach to college planning ...

In this episode, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator for Jacobson Family Law, sits down with Eric Chilton, a Certified Divorce Coach, as he reveals how communication strategies and proper preparation can save divorcing couples significant money and emotional distress. Eric explains why immediate legal action isn't always the best first step and shares practical techniques for managing high-conflict situations.

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Divorce can blindside you with emotional turmoil that makes rational decision-making nearly impossible. Join host, Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator, as she sits down with Chris Stuart, a divorce coach and entrepreneur as he discusses his own high-conflict divorce. He found himself $100,000 in legal fees before even seeing a judge, uncertain how to navigate the process, and struggling to maintain his relationship with his child....

Are you or someone you know navigating the complex landscape of divorce? In this episode, host, Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator with Jacobson Family Law and guest, Beverly Price, delve into the critical elements of empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery in the face of marital dissolution. With expert insights from Beverly Price, a renowned divorce and empowerment coach, they explore the often-overlooked emotional and prac...

Divorce is a complex journey for any family, but it becomes even more challenging when special needs children are added to the mix. In this episode, host, Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, delves into the nuances of divorce involving children with disabilities, drawing on expert insights from certified special needs divorce coach Mary Ann Hughes. Their conversation covers the unique difficulties these fam...

Making sense of home financing during and after a divorce can often feel overwhelming. Today, we bring you a conversation with mortgage expert Will Camacho, who specializes in bridging the gap between divorce and real estate. This episode is packed with practical insights on how child support and alimony can be leveraged to secure a mortgage but with specific attention to the seasoning requirement many lenders impose. Will sheds li...

Divorce often presents a whirlwind of emotions and financial decisions that can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. In this episode, host, Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator, sits down with financial expert Leah Hadley, who brings two decades of experience to navigate the crossroads of divorce and personal finance. Drawing on her own transformative journey, Leah shares how critical financial planning can lead to empow...