If you think you’re messing up your divorce… relax.

In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport bring you a much-needed mental break with five outrageous, real-life divorce stories that prove one thing:

No matter how chaotic your situation feels… someone is doing it worse.

From a $15,000 bedazzled Buddha that cost double to fight over in court, to a couple who spent $100,000 litigating an ashtray (yes, really), to a husband who tried to avoid divorce by claiming he was technically a zombie — this episode highlights the wildest ways people derail their own divorce cases.

Because here’s the truth: divorce is emotional, but court is not.

And when pettiness, revenge, or ego drive decisions, the only real winner is the attorney bill.

1. Why fighting over sentimental items can cost more than they’re worth
2. The $100,000 ashtray case (and why judges lose patience)
3. The legal consequences of “in-game crime” during divorce
4. The Beyoncé “To the Left” security system revenge moment
5. The infamous “zombie defense” divorce case
6. Why judges see more chaos than you realize
7. How not to let ego drive your legal strategy

While this mini episode brings humor, the underlying message is serious:

✔️ Petty fights cost real money

✔️ Emotional reactions extend litigation

✔️ Judges have seen everything — including wackadoo defenses

✔️ Revenge may feel good, but it rarely plays well in court

✔️ Strategy > spectacle

Divorce can feel overwhelming, nauseating, and heavy. Sometimes you need a break — and sometimes you need perspective.

If you’re doggy-paddling through your divorce, consider this your reminder:

You are not alone.

You are not the most chaotic case in the courthouse.

And you can absolutely get through this.

1. Join our free, confidential divorce community
2. Check out the updated Divorce Crash Course
3. Explore our downloadable divorce guidebooks

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Living with alcoholism can make you question everything—your judgment, your boundaries, even your reality. If you’re thinking about divorcing an alcoholic (or you’re not ready to leave yet, but you know something has to change), this episode is for you.

Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport sit down with Jeff Wright, an insurance brokerage founder and mentor who has helped countless people navigate toxic, alcohol-fueled relationships—shaped by his own childhood experience with an abusive alcoholic parent.

Together, they unpack why leaving an alcoholic spouse can feel impossible (even when the situation is clearly unsafe), how trauma bonds keep people stuck, and what “self-preservation” really looks like when you’re trying to protect your children and your sanity.

You’ll also learn the practical steps to take before you file: who to talk to (and who not to), how to make a plan quietly, how to build confidence when you feel shattered, and what legal tools can help keep kids safe—including monitoring options like Soberlink, testing, and supervised parenting time.

If you’ve been surviving in chaos, consider this your permission slip to stop normalizing it—and start building a path out.

1. Why living with an alcoholic partner can distort your reality and decision-making
2. The real reasons people stay (hint: it’s often not money)
3. What a trauma bond is and why “they hurt you, then hug you” feels like love
4. How alcoholism impacts the drinker’s brain—and why denial can be extreme
5. How to assess your home environment: stress signals, kids’ behavior, and “waiting for them to come home” tension
6. What self-preservation actually means: privacy, planning, and choosing the right support
7. Why your divorce attorney is not your therapist—and why you need both
8. Concrete action steps: quiet planning, go-bag/documents, separate accounts, and rebuilding confidence
9. Legal tools that can support safety for kids (monitoring/testing options and structured parenting arrangements)

1. 00:00 The reality: alcoholism can make you question your judgment and reality
2. 00:57 Sponsor: OurFamilyWizard + discount code
3. 02:11 Who this episode is for (especially if you haven’t left yet)
4. 03:07 Meet Jeff Wright and why this is his mission
5. 06:07 Jeff’s childhood with an abusive alcoholic father (and lasting impact)
6. 08:17 Morgan explains why this becomes “normal” when you’re living it
7. 10:29 Why people don’t leave: kids, fear,...

Think emailing your divorce lawyer is the “cheapest” way to communicate? Think again.

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan (yes, Morgan is solo because Andrea has the flu 😷) breaks down one of the most expensive mistakes people make during divorce: sending emotional, scattered emails instead of getting real strategy.

We’re talking about when to email, when to call, when a face-to-face meeting is worth every penny, and how to show up prepared so you’re not paying for chaos. Plus: switching attorneys (when it’s time and when it’s not), pre-divorce “move smarter” tips, how to protect evidence, what to know about non-marital assets, beneficiary red flags, and why tax implications can become negotiation leverage.

Bottom line: you need a plan—and you don’t get one by spiraling in your inbox.

1. Why a phone call or face-to-face attorney meeting can be more cost-effective than emails
2. How to stop reacting to your ex’s “urgent” messages and start operating with divorce strategy
3. The best way to prep for billable time: bullet points, goals, and an objective
4. When it makes sense to consult another attorney (without immediately switching)
5. What “collect evidence” actually means—and where to store it safely
6. Why you should document what you entered the marriage with (non-marital assets)
7. The red flag nobody thinks about: beneficiary changes during divorce
8. How divorce-related tax implications can become powerful negotiation points

1. 00:00 Why face-to-face meetings can be more valuable (and cost-effective) than email
2. 01:15 Sponsor: OurFamilyWizard (co-parenting app / discount code)
3. 01:45 Morgan explains why Andrea is out + why this episode is a must-listen rerun
4. 03:48 The “nine emotional emails” problem—and what to do instead
5. 06:47 Secret #1: You don’t have to respond to everything on your ex’s timeline
6. 08:38 How to call your attorney with bullet points (and an objective)
7. 09:37 When a phone call isn’t enough and you need face-to-face strategy
8. 12:34 Secret #2: Move your body before you make decisions
9. 15:02 Secret #3: You can switch attorneys (but don’t do it while activated)
10. 20:38 Secret #4: Large purchases pre-filing (why timing...