Mediation doesn’t have to suck—but walking in unprepared absolutely does. In this solo power-packed episode, Andrea and Morgan deliver the exact roadmap you need before entering mediation. Whether it’s your parenting plan, finances, or both on the table, this episode walks you through every question to ask your lawyer, how to mentally prepare, and the secret negotiation strategies that’ll keep you calm, confident, and in control.

What you’ll learn:

• The 4-part strategy to prep for mediation like a pro
• What makes a bad mediator—and how to avoid one
• Why your first offer will probably suck (and that’s okay)
• What “sweeteners” are and how to use them to get what you want
• Tips to regulate your emotions and stay focused during mediation
• Whether attorney-assisted mediation is worth it
• How to build your own mediation “cheat sheet”
• Why mediation saves you time, money, and sanity (even if it fails)

Burning Questions Answered:

• “How do I know if what I’m asking for is realistic?”
• “What if my ex throws something crazy at me?”
• “Do I need to get the mediator to like me?”
• “Can I call my lawyer during mediation?”
• “What happens if we can’t agree on anything?”

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

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

So… your spouse wants a divorce and you don’t? Oof. That’s a brutal position to be in—and one we know all too well. In this candid, no-holds-barred episode, Andrea and Morgan dive into the exact steps you need to take—legally and emotionally—when divorce isn’t your idea, but it’s happening anyway. Whether the papers haven’t been filed yet or you’ve already been served, this is your guide to protecting yourself, preparing smartly, and finding solid ground when your world feels upside down.

What You’ll Learn:

• The first 3 legal steps to take if your spouse hasn’t filed yet
• How to emotionally process being blindsided by divorce
• What to do (and not do) if your spouse has filed
• When discernment counseling works (and when it won’t)
• How to avoid expensive legal mistakes just because you’re overwhelmed
• Why it’s critical to understand your attorney’s strategy

Burning Questions Answered:

• “What if I don’t want a divorce—do I have any control?”
• “How can I financially prepare if I’m in the dark?”
• “Is couples therapy enough to save us?”
• “What happens if I ignore the divorce petition?”
• “How do I hold it together when I’m falling apart?

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

If you’ve ever fired off an angry text, regretted it immediately, or found yourself stuck in never-ending drama with your ex—this episode is for you. Andrea and Morgan sit down with the legendary Bill Eddy (lawyer, therapist, mediator, and creator of the BIFF method) to unpack exactly how to communicate with high-conflict people—without losing your mind (or your case).

You’ll learn why your responses might be feeding the fire, what judges actually notice in emails, and the two acronyms that can completely transform how you co-parent with a difficult ex. Whether you’re in the thick of divorce or trying to rebuild your peace afterward—this is a must-listen.

What you’ll learn:

• What the BIFF method is (and why every lawyer uses it)
• How to end hostile conversations without fueling the fire
• What judges think when they read your emails
• How to save major money by communicating smarter
• The difference between reacting and responding
• Why empathy is a power move (not a weakness)
• How to stop playing the blame game and move forward
• The biggest legal risk of oversharing via text or email
• How to draft a response that makes your ex pause, not pounce
• What “emotional mirroring” is—and how to avoid it

Burning questions answered in this episode:

• What do I actually say when my ex sends a nasty email?
• How can I communicate effectively if my ex is a narcissist?
• Should I respond to everything my co-parent says?
• Why does tone matter if we’re already in court?
• How do I keep conflict from costing me a fortune?

Connect with Bill Eddy:

• Website: www.highconflictinstitute.com
• Books: BIFF for Co-Parent Communication, Ear Statements, and more
• Instagram: @highconflictinstitute

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