Grown Girl Divorce Podcast

What To Do When Your Spouse Wants A Divorce?

So, your spouse wants a divorce?! Whether you saw this coming or not, you are now faced with a reality that know one expects to ever have.  Yet, before you do or say something that may make things worse, make sure to listen to this episode. 
In this episode, Kimberly discusses:
1.  How to engage in a conversation with your spouse about the divorce,
2. What to do if you receive a divorce summons or filing,
3. Why ignoring divorce papers can cost you a lot of money, 
4.  The first steps to take after learning your spouse wants a divorce, and more.
If no one else has said it, then let us be the reminder that you are not alone, you are loved, and you will get through this.
 
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 highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of Color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. 
Be sure to check out our website, www.growngirldivorce.com, for resources, information, and more.  Follow us on social media and listen to our Spotify playlists.  We believe sharing is caring so please share our resources and information with your girlfriends, colleagues, and family, because you never know who needs the support.
#growngirlpod #divorcetalk #womenempoweringwomen #marriagecounselingtalk #divorcecoach #blackdivorceattorney #divorcefinances #marriageseparationtips #blackbloggers #womenofcolorexperts #familylawresources #divorcesupport

The Parenting Questions You Must Ask When Interviewing Lawyers

Are you preparing to interview a divorce attorney? 
Are you a mom worried about how divorce will impact your kids?
Do you feel overwhelmed by the divorce process and it hasn't even started? 
Do you want to make the most out of your lawyer interview?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then this episode is for you!  Interviewing lawyers can be overwhelming especially because you are trying to find the right lawyer to help you address intimate issues about your family and finances.   We get it!  In this episode, Kimberly shares with you:
1.  The parenting questions to ask during the divorce consultation,
2. How to frame the parenting questions so that you get a straight answer,
3. The parenting questions to avoid so you don't waste your time during the divorce interview,
4.  How to tell if the divorce lawyer is just telling you what you want to hear instead of what you need to hear,
5. Why certain lawyer responses are red flags (a/k/a don't hire this lawyer), and more!
Do not meet with a divorce or family attorney without listening to this episode first. You, and your children, will be so glad you did!
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 highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of Color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. 
Be sure to check out our website, www.growngirldivorce.com, for resources, information, and more.  Follow us on social media and listen to our Spotify playlists.  We believe sharing is caring so please share our resources and information with your girlfriends, colleagues, and family, because you never know who needs the support.
#divorcesupport #growngirlpod #blackdivorce #familymatters #divorcecoach #blackpodcasters #lawyerinterviews #divorcestrategy #coparentingtips 
 

Salama’s Story: Girl, I’ve Been There Too Series Episode

Salama means safe in Swahili.  Our guest today, Salama, shares her story about divorce and co-parenting:
- shining the light on verbal & physical abuse in wealthy families,
- why her children, and not the unhealthy relationship, were the reason she moved forward with a divorce,
- how mediation can work even in high conflict or domestic abuse cases,
- what she wish she knew about divorce before starting the process, and
- how she successfully negotiated the parenting schedule she wanted.
The Girl, I've Been There Too Series profiles Black women who have been through divorce and are sharing their stories to provide lessons learned, real talk on navigating the process, and coming out ahead post-divorce. Please be sure to catch all our episodes by subscribing to Grown Girl Divorce podcast. For more resources and support, visit our website www.growngirldivorce.com and follow us on social media.  
 
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 highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of Color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. 
Be sure to check out our website for resources, information, and more.  Follow us on social media and listen to our Spotify playlists.  We believe sharing is caring so please share our resources and information with your girlfriends, colleagues, and family, because you never know who needs the support.

Amali’s Story: Girl, I’ve Been There Too Series

Amali means “hope” and today’s guest is “hope personified!”  Listen to her story about how hope and belief in love not only got her through a tough divorce but helped her find her way back to herself and to finding love again!
In this episode, Amali shares:
- Letting go of the childhood burdens and expectations we have is important to moving forward;
- How therapy can be a game changer;
- Working with the right professional team makes a difference,
- Why you shouldn’t give up on finding love again, and more!
The Girl, I've Been There Too Series profiles Black women who have been through divorce and are sharing their stories to provide lessons learned, real talk on navigating the process, and coming out ahead post-divorce. Please be sure to catch all our episodes by subscribing to Grown Girl Divorce podcast. For more resources and support, visit our website www.growngirldivorce.com and follow us on social media.  We believe that "sharing is caring" so please be sure to share this information with friends, family, and your girlfriends because you never know who needs the support. 
#realtalk #growngirlpod #divorcesupport #blackpodcasters #selfhelp

Considering Divorce 101

Are you considering a divorce? The realization that your marriage may be ending can be sad, upsetting, and scary!  This bonus episode discusses:
- How you may know divorce is the next step?
- Why divorce is a marathon and not a sprint?
- The things to do when considering divorce, and
- The things not to do when considering divorce.
This episode provides an outline of next steps with reference to other resources including other podcast episodes, blog topics on the Grown Girl Divorce website, and free downloads on the Grown Girl Divorce website to help you navigate next steps.
If you are considering divorce, then this episode will help get your thoughts organized as you prepare for the next steps for your marriage and family. 
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 highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of Color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. 
Be sure to check out our website, www.growngirldivorce.com, for resources, information, and more.  Follow us on social media and listen to our Spotify playlists.  We believe sharing is caring so please share our resources and information with your girlfriends, colleagues, and family, because you never know who needs the support.
 

Agbara’s Story: Girl, I’ve Been There Too Series

Agbara means strength.  Strength is often required in a divorce even when we want to give up. Today’s conversation with Agbara will hopefully remind you that you are not alone and to give you the strength to keep moving forward.
In this episode, Agbara shares:
- Lessons learned about shared custody and child support,
- What her young son recognized about her happiness,
- Why representing yourself in a divorce is a challenge,
- The biggest co-parenting mistake, and more!
The Girl, I've Been There Too Series profiles Black women who have been through divorce and are sharing their stories to provide lessons learned, real talk on navigating the process, and coming out ahead post-divorce. Please be sure to catch all our episodes by subscribing to Grown Girl Divorce podcast. For more resources and support, visit our website www.growngirldivorce.com and follow us on social media.  We believe that "sharing is caring" so please be sure to share this information with friends, family, and your girlfriends because you never know who needs the support. 
 
#realtalk #growngirlpod #divorcesupport #blackpodcasters #selfhelp

Getting Through The Holidays During Divorce

The holiday season is a special time to gather with family and friends. Yet, it can be challenging to enjoy the season when considering or going through a divorce.  In this episode, Kimberly discusses:
- The importance of taking a break during the holidays,
- The information you must get from your lawyer during the holidays,
- Why rushing to be done by year-end may not be the best for you, and
- Allowing yourself to enjoy the season.
 
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 highly acclaimed divorce attorney and mediator breaking down divorce misinformation, dismantling stereotypes on Black families, and shining the light on the importance of diverse representation in family law. Grown Girl Divorce podcast guests are primarily women of Color providing expert information or personal stories as a way to give voice to and support Black women going through divorce. 
Be sure to check out our website, www.growngirldivorce.com, for resources, information, and more.  Follow us on social media and listen to our Spotify playlists.  We believe sharing is caring so please share our resources and information with your girlfriends, colleagues, and family, because you never know who needs the support.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode!

Zahara’s Story: Girl, I’ve Been There Too Series

Is there light at the end of the divorce tunnel?  Yes.  How do we know? Zahara (the name given our guest because of her shine) gives us inspiration to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles in the process.
In this episode, Zahara shares:
- Listening (and following) your inner voice,
- The worst advice she received about relationships,
- Helping children of divorce have healthy relationships,
- How money played a role in the timing of her divorce, and more!
 
The Girl, I've Been There Too Series profiles Black women who have been through divorce and are sharing their stories to provide lessons learned, real talk on navigating the process, and coming out ahead post-divorce. Please be sure to catch all our episodes by subscribing to Grown Girl Divorce podcast. For more resources and support, visit our website www.growngirldivorce.com and follow us on social media.  We believe that "sharing is caring" so please be sure to share this information with friends, family, and your girlfriends because you never know who needs the support. 
#realtalk #growngirlpod #divorcesupport #blackpodcasters #selfhelp

Alafia’s Story: Girl, I’ve Been There Too Series

Alafia means "peace" and our guest today discusses her journey to finding peace despite all obstacles.  In this episode, Alafia shares:
- Surviving infidelity and gaslighting,
- Divorce with teenagers,
- The financial strategies she wish she had during her divorce,
- Real talk on dealing with an Ex-spouse who refuses to pay child support or alimony
 
The Girl, I've Been There Too Series profiles Black women who have been through divorce and are sharing their stories to provide lessons learned, real talk on navigating the process, and coming out ahead post-divorce. Please be sure to catch all our episodes by subscribing to Grown Girl Divorce podcast. For more resources and support, visit our website www.growngirldivorce.com and follow us on social media.  We believe that "sharing is caring" so please be sure to share this information with friends, family, and your girlfriends because you never know who needs the support. 
 
#realtalk #growngirlpod #divorcesupport #blackpodcasters #selfhelp

Imani’s Story: Girl, I’ve Been There Too Series

In Swahili, Imani means “faith” and today’s episode in our Girl, I’ve been there too series” is about holding firm that while we don’t know the path ahead we must continue to have faith – faith in ourselves, in our children, in those we trust to get us through the process, and in our beliefs that hold everything together.  In this episode, the guest I call Imani shares with us:
What conditional love is
The importance of knowing your own capabilities when deciding how to proceed in the legal process
How to find the right lawyer for you
The impact faith may have on your marriage or divorce
Why setting boundaries for engaging with family and friends during a divorce is critical, and
The 2 things that someone told her about that made a huge difference for her
 
Our Girl, I've Been There Too series profiles Black women who have been through a divorce and are sharing their story with our village so that others know they are not alone in this journey. This Series is not about the "Ex" but rather about the lessons learned by these women to educate and empower other women considering or going through a divorce.
If you, or someone you know, is going through a divorce, the resources and information available on our website including a blog, free downloads, Spotify playlist, and more are there just for you. Please subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.  We are nothing without the support of our community so please support us by sharing our content with your friends, family, and colleagues because you never know who is in need of support.
 
Grown Girl Divorce Website: www.growngirldivorce.com

Nia’s Story: Girl I’ve Been There Too Series Ep.118

Nia means “purpose” in Swahili. Today's guest in our "Girl, I've Been There Too" series recognized that her purpose in life is to set an example for her child and, in doing so, had to make a difficult decision.
In this episode, Nia shares with us:
- The impact our parents' divorce can have on our own thoughts on marriage and divorce;
- How to question what you really want from a therapist;
- Why finding a home was a top priority; and
- The best resources for talking to young children about divorce.
Nia is one of several women profiled in our "Girl, I've Been There Too" series sharing with our village so that we too may learn from our shared experiences how to navigate the divorce process.  This series isn't detailing stories about an Ex spouse but rather focuses on how these Black women survived the divorce process and thriving as they move forward. These are real stories from real women just like you.
 
Please be sure to subscribe to the Grown Girl Divorce podcast to catch new episodes of the "Girl, I've Been There Too" series and for conversations with experts helping to educate and empower you through divorce. Our website has additional resources including free downloads, blogs, Spotify playlist, and much more.  Please follow us on our social media channels and join our village! 
 
#growngirldivorce #blackpodcasts #divorcesupport #blacklove #financialfreedom #legacycreation #blackgirlsthriving #divorcepodcasts #coparentingtips #blendedfamilyjourney #mochamoms #blackmamas #womenbreadwinners #blackdivorcelawyers #selfcarepodcasts 

Girl, I’ve Been There Too Series Opener

Experts are great but don't always know the personal story! Divorce can be a lonely experience and it can sometimes help to know that someone else understands what you are going through because they have "been there too!"
Welcome to the "Girl, I've Been There Too Series" of the Grown Girl Divorce podcast. These are intimate conversations with Black women who are sharing their stores about:
- The lessons learned about the divorce process;
- How they really talked to their kids about their divorce;
- Navigating being a Black woman going through a divorce;
- The financial and professional impact of a divorce;
- Why being a "strong Black woman" is not always the best answers;
- How to find the right therapist for you and your children;
- When, and how, to tell others about your divorce;
- The best thing that has happened since divorce; and much more!
These stories reveal the joy and pain of the divorce process. This is not a "tell all" about the Ex but a true discussion of how each of these women have found their way back to themselves while moving forward in a divorce. This is a village of women sharing their experiences so that you too may know that someone has "been there too" and is not only surviving but thriving!
 
Be sure to check out our other episodes with experts sharing information to educate and empower you through divorce. You can also find great resources on our website (www.growngirldivorce.com), be sure to subscribe to our Spotify playlists, and keep up with us on social media!
 
#growngirldivorce #divorceinformation #blackpodcasters #financialfreedom #blackgirlrising #selfcaretips #divorcesupport #blackbloggers #legacybuilding #familyprotection #blacklawyers #representationmatters #selfhelppodcasts #forthculture 

Helping kids with divorce: A conversation with child therapist Taylor Quick

Being a parent is amazing, exhausting, scary, and life changing. It is an awesome responsibility! Parents have the power to shape their child's life both now and in the future.  Whew! That's heavy! As parents, we try so hard not to “mess things up” for our children but we need help! We definitely need help when it comes to divorce and kids!  
In this episode, child psychologist Taylor Quick, founder of The Empathy Nest therapy practice, discusses:
- How to talk to your child about divorce (yes, even the toddlers),
- Why talking about divorce with your child is an on-going discussion,
- The one thing children really want for their parents, 
- The red flags to watch out for when working with a child therapist, and
- More!
If you are considering divorce, going through divorce, or post-divorce co-parenting, then this is the episode for you! Trust me, Taylor is not holding back about parent behavior and the impact its having on our children!  When we know better, we do better! 
Be sure to check out more educational resources for children on Taylor Quick's Instagram @kidsrcapable or her website www.theempathynest.com
Please be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and be sure to follow us on Instagram @growngirldivorce for information to educate and empower you! 
You're Grown! You Got This! 
 

What a marriage and family therapist wants you to know about couples counseling!

Relationships take work - we all know that! But, sometimes doing the work is easier said than done especially when we don’t always know what to do or how to do it. We need help! 
Our girlfriend guest Jewel Spencer, a marriage and family therapist with the Center of Relational Empowerment ("CORE"), is putting us on the right path to work on ourselves and our relationships!  In this episode, Jewel shares with us:
1. How to make the most of your  1st couples therapy session, 
2. The key to preparing for couples therapy, and
3. What to do to find your voice in therapy. 
Girl, you do not want to miss this conversation! You're Grown! You Got This! 
 
Our girlfriend guest Jewel Spencer is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with the Center of Relational Empowerment located in Chicago, Illinois. Her clinical areas include communication issues with couples and families, infidelity, substance use, and adults in transition. Jewel is passionate about working with women of color, Black women in particular. Jewel's practice is sex positive, LGTBQ+ and Kink -affirming.  Jewel is a firm believer in that, by building oneself, you contribute to the building of strong relationships and strong families. Her passions are to help her clients grow their self-esteem, become better listeners and communicators, and stronger teams.
To learn more about Jewel Spencer, please check her out at www.core-chicago.com.
 
Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and follow us on Instagram @growngirldivorce!
 

How To Up Your Dating Game with Girlfriend Guest Matchmaker Trenia Norford

Should we set intentions when dating? Is there a right way to date? How do we get our "groove back" and get out there?!
Our girlfriend guest Trenia Norford, a professional Matchmaker and founder of Connectricity, is here to get us back in the game!  Trenia shares with us:
1. How to date with "intention,"
2. The red flags that are often missed,
3. The best tips for setting up your dating profile, and
4. The one thing she makes sure her girlfriends know before going on a date!
Girl, you do not want to miss this conversation! You're Grown! You Got This! 
If you are ready to get back out there, be sure to check out our girlfriend guest Trenia Norford on her website www.connectricity.com or on Instagram @connectricity 
 
Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and follow us on Instagram @growngirldivorce!

Settlement or Trial: What‘s The Best Divorce Path For You?

There are two ways to get a divorce - settlement or trial. But, getting to settlement or trial may look different depending on the path you take. In this episode, Kimberly chats with her girlfriend guest, lawyer and law professor, Stephanie Tang.
Stephanie helps us understand:
The paths to resolution – litigation, mediation, collaboration
The best path for your divorce,
The reality of trial, and
What her girlfriends know about getting divorced!
Episode Girlfriend Guest: Stephanie Tang, Esq. is a divorce attorney and law professor in Chicago, IL.  Stephanie  helps individuals going through divorce get to a better place in their lives and feel prepared for their futures following a time of uncertainty. She strives to provide personalized attention to all of her clients and walk them through each step of the litigation or settlement process. As a certified mediator, Associate with the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, and member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Stephanie is able to offer clients an alternative to resolve their divorce outside of the courtroom.
Please be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more information and support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes!  You're Grown! You Got This!

Girl, Are Your Children and Money Protected If You Die or Divorce? Girlfriend Chat with Estate Lawyer Candace Hansford

If something were to happen to you today, are your family and assets protected? What do the words, "will," "trust," and "estate plan," actually mean?  Our girlfriend, Candace Hansford, a Trust & Estate lawyer breaks it all down!
In this episode, Candace will help us understand:
1.  The difference between a Living Will, Last Will & Testament, and Trust;
2. How to control the outcome of what happens to your children and money with a solid Estate Plan;
3.  What you should know about estate planning and step-children / bonus children;
4. Why you should change your beneficiaries during a divorce; and
5. The Number 1 thing she tells her girlfriends to do to protect their legacy!
Nothing is guaranteed in life but death and taxes! Seriously, we aren't here forever so let's not only make the most of the time we have today but set up our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in the best way!  When we know better - we do better!  This episode is the one to get us Grown Girls protecting ourselves now and forever.
 
Episode Girlfriend Guest: Candace D. Hansford is the owner and Lead Attorney of The Hansford Firm, a boutique law firm headquartered in Chicago, IL. Candace concentrates her practice in matters related to trusts and estate planning, administration and litigation. Ms. Hansford routinely assists clients in the creation and execution of their individual and family estate planning, as well as administration of estates across the country. She assists clients in memorializing their wishes for both tangible and intangible property, as well as succession planning for future generations.
Website: www.hansfordlegal.com
 
Please be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more information and support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes!  You're Grown! You Got This!
 

Girl, How Do I Support My Girlfriend Through Her Divorce?

So, your girlfriend is going through a divorce and you want to support her! She's lucky to have you! But, you need to listen to this episode first because what you don't know about supporting a girlfriend through divorce can end up hurting your friendship!  
In this episode, Kimberly discusses how to be the GIRL that everyone wants to have in her life when going through a divorce. By that, Kimberly explains how to be Gentle, Intentional, Realistic, and Loving, when supporting your girlfriend during this time.
We all want to do what's best for a friend going through a hard time but sometimes we can do more harm than good. Be the GIRL you want to be that you want to be for her and the GIRL that she needs you to be! You're Grown. You Got This!
 
Be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more support and information for yourself and your girlfriends. 

Girl, How Do I Find The Right Divorce and Family Lawyer?

Do you remember the story of Goldilocks & the Three Bears? Goldilocks explored that house for things that were "just right" for her! Well, you need to have that same mentality when finding a divorce and family lawyer! But, finding the one that is "just right" isn't always as easy as it seems.  In this episode, Kimberly discusses important considerations for finding a divorce and family lawyer:
The best resources for finding a divorce lawyer (hint: using TikTok to pick your lawyer may not be the best plan)
Getting the most out of the Initial Consultation (e.g. interview tips, questions to ask, red flags)
Making the final lawyer selection of the person "Just right" for you
Goldilocks was on to something when she tried out everything to find the "just right," and I know you will too!
You're Grown! You Got This!
 
Please be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more information and support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes!
 

Girl, Are You Thinking About Divorce? Now What?!

Girl, are you thinking about divorce? You have come to the right place. In this episode, Kimberly discusses four key topics:
Reality checking your decision
Timing is an independent decision
The 3 most important things to do NOW; and
The 3 most important things NOT to do (now or ever)!
Listen to this discussion to help you organize your thoughts, consider your options, and figure out the next best steps for you. You're Grown! You Got This!
 
Be sure to follow @growngirldivorce on Instagram for more support for yourself and your girlfriends. Please subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss an episode!