How Not To Suck At Divorce

Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport

Most people make expensive divorce mistakes before they even understand the process. Get expert divorce advice, practical divorce help, and cost-effective divorce strategies to avoid costly mistakes, reduce legal fees, and navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Most people spend thousands learning this the hard way. Don’t be one of them. The Divorce Crash Course (a $150 value, available for $50) shows you exactly how to prepare for divorce, avoid costly legal mistakes, and protect your finances before you even hire a lawyer. How Not to Suck at Divorce is the divorce podcast for people who want real answers, smart strategy, and emotional clarity during one of the most stressful times of life. This isn’t surface-level advice or generic legal talk. It’s honest, practical divorce guidance designed to help you make better decisions from the very beginning. Hosted by powerhouse family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill, head of family law at one of the largest firms in the country, and comedian-turned-marketing expert Andrea Rappaport, the show combines legal expertise with real-life experience. Together, they break down what actually matters in divorce and what too many people get wrong. Each episode focuses on the decisions that can cost you the most if you’re not prepared, from custody and co-parenting to negotiations, communication, and financial strategy. You’ll learn what to say to your lawyer, how to prepare for divorce before you file, and how to manage emotions without letting them derail your case. If you want a clear, step-by-step plan instead of figuring this out on your own, The Divorce Crash Course walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after divorce so you can make smarter decisions with less stress. This podcast is built for every stage of the process. Whether you’re thinking about divorce, in the middle of it, or rebuilding your life after, you’ll find clear divorce planning strategies, practical tools, and real-world guidance you can actually use. It’s about protecting your kids, your finances, and your future while staying grounded through a process that can easily feel overwhelming. What makes this show different is the combination of expert insight, real-world scenarios, and a tone that doesn’t feel heavy or intimidating. You’ll hear conversations with leading experts in law, psychology, finance, and safety, alongside honest discussions about the emotional side of divorce, including stress, conflict, and starting over. 💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to avoid costly divorce mistakes and reduce legal fees Divorce strategy, planning, and decision-making frameworks How to prepare for divorce before hiring a lawyer (and avoid expensive legal missteps) Co-parenting strategies and managing high-conflict personalities Communication tools to protect your case and reduce stress Financial planning, asset protection, and negotiation strategies Mindset tools to stay clear, calm, and in control From high-conflict communication strategies like the BIFF method to understanding financial transparency, custody dynamics, and digital safety, each episode is designed to give you clarity on what matters most. You’ll also hear from experts like Bill Eddy on managing conflict, Steven Bradley on tech and digital safety, and Dr. Nadine Macaluso on trauma, healing, and emotional resilience. At its core, this podcast is about helping you make smarter decisions during one of the most important transitions of your life. It’s practical, strategic, and grounded in real experience. And if you’re ready for a more structured approach, The Divorce Crash Course is there to guide you every step of the way. You’ll get through this. And you’ll do it better than you think.

  1. 14H AGO

    The Divorce Timeline Strategy: Win Your Case and Save Money in Attorney’s Fees

    One of the biggest mistakes people make during divorce is showing up emotionally overwhelmed and completely unorganized. If you want to save money on attorney’s fees, strengthen your divorce case, and stop wasting time reacting emotionally, you need one thing: a timeline. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. In this practical and eye-opening episode, Andrea and Morgan explain why organized clients get better legal outcomes—and why unprepared clients often lose cases and spend significantly more money. They break down exactly how to use a divorce timeline to organize evidence, support your legal claims, negotiate strategically, and communicate more efficiently with your attorney. From parenting disputes to financial dissipation claims, retirement accounts, vacation homes, and co-parenting app evidence, this episode explains how timelines help divorce attorneys build stronger cases while saving clients thousands in legal fees. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to organize your divorce, this episode gives you one of the most powerful practical tools you can use. In This Episode You Will Learn✅ Why organized clients save money during divorce ✅ How timelines strengthen your divorce case ✅ The difference between facts and emotions in family court ✅ How to organize evidence for your attorney ✅ Why co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard matter in legal disputes ✅ How timelines help during negotiations and settlement discussions ✅ What types of evidence matter most in parenting and financial disputes ✅ How timelines help attorneys identify weak or unwinnable claims before wasting money 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps(00:00) Why unprepared divorce clients lose money and cases (01:03) Mercury retrograde and why everyone feels chaotic lately (03:50) The #1 divorce tool that saves money and helps you win your case (04:12) Why timelines matter in family court (05:41) The difference between facts and emotions in divorce (06:09) How OurFamilyWizard strengthens legal evidence (06:50) Why organized timelines save attorney’s fees (08:39) Breaking large divorce disputes into smaller timeline issues (09:59) Chad and Brenda’s summer house dispute explained (16:58) Using timelines for dissipation claims and affair-related spending (19:23) How attorneys use timelines strategically during negotiations (21:24) What a divorce timeline template actually looks like (24:19) Using timelines for retirement accounts and non-marital claims (26:01) Why keeping everything in one organized place matters (27:12) Why prepared clients are calmer clients Key Takeaways🔹 Divorce cases are won with facts, evidence, and organization—not emotional arguments 🔹 Timelines help attorneys understand disputes quickly and strategically 🔹 Organized evidence can save thousands in attorney’s fees 🔹 Co-parenting apps, text messages, financial records, and calendars can strengthen legal claims 🔹 Prepared clients feel calmer, more empowered, and more in control throughout divorce About the HostsMorgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources:👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides divorce timeline, divorce evidence organization, divorce attorney tips, how to save money in divorce, family court evidence, divorce preparation, divorce strategy, co-parenting app evidence, dissipation claim divorce, divorce financial evidence, OurFamilyWizard, divorce lawyer advice #DivorceAdvice #FamilyLaw #DivorceStrategy #DivorceHelp #DivorcePreparation #OurFamilyWizard #CoParenting #DivorcePodcast #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce

    29 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Divorce Inspo: 5 Positive Surprises in Divorce

    The Happy Surprises in Divorce No One Talks AboutDivorce is painful, overwhelming, and emotionally brutal—but there are also surprising parts of the divorce process that can be unexpectedly healing, empowering, and even beautiful. If you’re in the thick of divorce and struggling to see beyond the pain, this episode offers a hopeful reminder that not every part of this journey is negative. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. In this honest and uplifting mini episode, Andrea shares the happy surprises in divorce that no one prepares you for. From the relief that often comes once the decision is made, to the unexpected ways divorce can improve your nervous system, parenting, confidence, and relationships, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what healing can actually look like during the divorce process. If you’re wondering whether life can ever feel good again after divorce, this episode is your reminder that while divorce may break you open—it can also rebuild you. In This Episode You Will Learn✅ Why many people feel relief faster than expected after deciding to divorce ✅ How divorce can calm your nervous system in surprising ways ✅ Why you may become a more present and emotionally available parent ✅ How divorce reveals who your real support system is ✅ Why difficult life changes often build unexpected confidence ✅ How divorce forces you to discover your own capability and resilience ✅ Why some of the hardest seasons create the most growth 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps(00:00) Why no one talks about the happy surprises in divorce (01:05) Relief after finally deciding to divorce (03:02) How divorce can regulate your nervous system (06:15) Signs your body may be calming down after leaving (08:22) Why many people become better parents during divorce (10:17) Andrea’s story about parenting in a small apartment (13:02) How divorce reveals your real support system (15:16) The unexpected people who may show up for you (17:18) Why divorce builds confidence and resilience (19:00) Discovering how capable you truly are (21:08) Final encouragement for surviving the divorce marathon Key Takeaways🔹 Divorce may bring relief faster than you expect once uncertainty is removed 🔹 Chronic marital stress can dysregulate your nervous system more than you realize 🔹 Many parents become more emotionally present after leaving an unhealthy marriage 🔹 Divorce often clarifies who your true support system is 🔹 Going through divorce can build confidence, resilience, and self-trust About the HostsMorgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources:👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides happy surprises in divorce, life after divorce, divorce healing, divorce recovery, emotional healing after divorce, divorce support, divorce mindset, divorce confidence, surviving divorce, divorce encouragement, divorce podcast, how divorce changes you #DivorceAdvice #LifeAfterDivorce #DivorceHealing #DivorceSupport #DivorceRecovery #DivorceHelp #DivorcePodcast #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce

    15 min
  3. MAY 1

    Divorce: The Hidden Factor Affecting Your Biggest Decisions- Even GETTING a Divorce..

    Divorce and Big Decisions: How Your Hormones May Be Affecting Your Divorce More Than You ThinkPerimenopause and hormonal changes can impact your mood, anxiety, emotional regulation, and even your ability to make major life decisions—especially during divorce. If you’re wondering whether your marriage is falling apart, your emotions are out of control, or you simply don’t feel like yourself, understanding how hormones and perimenopause affect divorce decisions may be more important than you realize. And men, this episode has some good info for you, too. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. In this fascinating episode, Andrea and Morgan sit down with OB-GYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd to discuss the surprising role perimenopause and hormone shifts can play in divorce, marriage struggles, and major legal decision-making. Check out Natural Cycles. They explore why women in midlife often feel like they are “falling apart,” how hormonal changes can affect emotional regulation, why tracking your cycle and symptoms can provide critical insight, and how understanding what’s happening in your body can help you make better, more informed decisions during your divorce. If you’re in your 40s or 50s, questioning your marriage, or simply feeling unlike yourself during this season of life, this episode may give you answers you didn’t know you needed. In This Episode You Will Learn✅ What perimenopause actually is and how it affects your body and mind ✅ Why hormonal shifts can impact marriage satisfaction and divorce decisions ✅ How anxiety, mood swings, and irritability may be linked to perimenopause ✅ Why tracking your cycle and symptoms can improve decision-making during divorce ✅ How hormonal data can help you identify better times to make major legal decisions ✅ Why understanding your body gives you more autonomy during divorce ✅ How hormone-related symptoms can impact both spouses in a marriage 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps(00:00) Why your hormones may be affecting your divorce decisions (01:16) Introducing Dr. Jessica Shepherd and why perimenopause matters in divorce (03:18) What perimenopause actually is (04:42) How hormone shifts can impact marriage and emotional regulation (06:22) How to know if hormones are contributing to marital unhappiness (07:34) How Natural Cycles tracks hormonal changes (09:49) Why hormonal data matters for divorce decision-making (10:51) When not to make major divorce decisions (12:03) Can hormone awareness actually save marriages? (14:50) What to do with hormonal data once you have it (17:15) Three benefits of tracking your cycle during perimenopause (20:59) Why pregnancy risk still matters in perimenopause (24:26) How attorneys may use this information strategically (29:38) Final takeaway: curiosity leads to solutions Key Takeaways🔹 Perimenopause can significantly impact mood, anxiety, and emotional regulation 🔹 Hormonal changes may affect how you perceive your marriage and divorce process 🔹 Tracking your symptoms and hormonal patterns can improve decision-making 🔹 Data and self-awareness can help you avoid making major decisions at your emotional low points 🔹 Understanding your body may provide clarity before making life-changing decisions About the HostsMorgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources:👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 Natural Cycles 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides perimenopause and divorce, hormones and marriage problems, divorce during perimenopause, hormonal changes divorce decisions, perimenopause symptoms, divorce emotional regulation, midlife divorce, marriage problems hormones, natural cycles app, women’s health and divorce, divorce podcast #Perimenopause #DivorceAdvice #HormonesAndMarriage #MidlifeDivorce #DivorceHelp #WomensHealth #DivorcePodcast #DivorceSupport #NaturalCycles #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce Mentioned in this episode: Natural Cycles When your body feels unpredictable, your decisions shouldn’t have to be. Get insight and clarity with NC° Perimenopause. Visit Naturalcycles.app/divorce to learn more and save on a subscription and wearable. Natural Cycles

    35 min
  4. APR 29

    Divorce Question Answered: Why Your Attorney Might Not be Fighting For You...

    Why Your Divorce Attorney May Not Be Fighting for You (And What You’re Missing About Divorce Law) Feeling like your divorce attorney isn’t fighting hard enough for you? In many divorce cases, the issue isn’t that your attorney is failing you—it’s that family court only allows attorneys to fight for what the law actually supports. If you don’t understand how divorce laws, family court, and legal strategy work, it can feel like your lawyer is rolling over when they may simply be telling you the truth about your case. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. In this mini episode, Andrea and Morgan break down one of the most common frustrations in divorce: feeling like your attorney isn’t advocating hard enough for you. They explain why many clients confuse legal reality with poor representation, how family law actually works, and what it means when your desired outcome is not legally supported. They also cover how strategic attorneys get creative in negotiations, when legal leverage matters more than emotion, and the exact questions you should ask your attorney if you feel frustrated with your case. If you’ve ever wondered whether your lawyer is dropping the ball—or whether the law simply isn’t on your side—this episode will help you understand the difference. In This Episode You Will Learn✅ Why your divorce attorney may not be able to “fight” for everything you want ✅ How family court judges actually make decisions ✅ Why emotions and legal outcomes are often disconnected in divorce ✅ What “legally supported” really means in family law ✅ How strong attorneys get creative when the law doesn’t support your ask ✅ The role negotiation and “sweeteners” play in divorce settlements ✅ The exact questions to ask when you feel frustrated with your attorney 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps(00:00) Why it feels like your attorney isn’t fighting for you (01:25) How family court judges actually make decisions (02:46) Why your emotional truth may not match legal facts (04:30) Why divorce is emotional but family court is not (05:17) The risks of going to trial just to seek retribution (06:07) Why trial can cost you more than it’s worth (07:30) Questions to ask when you want something from your attorney (08:34) What “legally supported” really means (09:22) Why “no” from your attorney is not always game over (10:41) How attorneys get creative in negotiation (11:58) Real examples of strategic negotiation and sweeteners (13:29) The difference between mediocre and strategic attorneys (13:56) Final takeaway: understand the law before judging your attorney Key Takeaways🔹 Your attorney can only fight for outcomes the law actually supports 🔹 Feeling wronged emotionally does not guarantee legal retribution in divorce court 🔹 Great attorneys tell you the truth—even when you don’t want to hear it 🔹 Negotiation strategy is often more valuable than courtroom drama 🔹 Understanding the law helps you advocate for yourself and avoid wasting money About the HostsMorgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources:👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides divorce attorney not fighting for me, family court laws, divorce lawyer advice, divorce legal strategy, family court expectations, divorce attorney communication, divorce negotiation strategy, family law explained, high conflict divorce, divorce settlement strategy, hiring a divorce attorney #DivorceAdvice #FamilyLaw #DivorceAttorney #DivorceStrategy #DivorceHelp #FamilyCourt #LegalAdvice #DivorceSupport #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce #DivorcePodcast

    17 min
  5. APR 24

    5 Years After Divorce: What Life Can Look Like on the Other Side

    Five years after your divorce, your life will look completely different—and not in the way you’re probably imagining right now. Divorce recovery, life after divorce, and rebuilding your identity can feel overwhelming in the moment, but the long-term outcome might surprise you in the best way. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. In this emotional and refreshingly honest mini episode, Andrea shares what her life actually looks like five years after her divorce—and why the version of her today is someone she never could have imagined back then. From feeling completely broken and out of control to building a life filled with joy, confidence, and purpose, Andrea walks through the real transformation that happens after divorce. This episode is not about perfection—it’s about progress, healing, and realizing that the life you build after divorce can be better than anything you left behind. If you’re in the middle of your divorce or just starting to think about it, this episode will give you something you need right now: hope. In This Episode You Will Learn✅ What life actually looks like five years after divorce ✅ Why happiness after divorce doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen ✅ How Andrea rebuilt her confidence, career, and identity ✅ The difference between surviving your marriage and actually living your life ✅ Why joy—not perfection—is the real goal after divorce ✅ How small actions can help you start rebuilding your life today 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course Timestamps(00:00) Where you’ll be five years after your divorce (01:00) Finding moments of joy during the hardest times (03:00) Life update: remarriage, growth, and perspective (06:00) The difference between loneliness and true partnership (08:30) Rebuilding confidence and career after divorce (11:00) How Andrea created a completely new life for herself (14:00) Finding joy in small, everyday moments (16:00) Why your life doesn’t end during divorce—it evolves (18:00) Encouragement for anyone in the middle of the process Key Takeaways🔹 Five years after your divorce, your life can look completely different in ways you can’t yet imagine 🔹 Happiness after divorce isn’t about perfection—it’s about building a life that feels right for you 🔹 You don’t need someone to “save you”—you are capable of creating your own future 🔹 Small moments of joy can help you get through even the hardest days 🔹 The life you build after divorce can be stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling than before 👤 About the HostsMorgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources:👉 Divorce Crash Course https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) https://ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides life after divorce, divorce recovery, divorce healing, happiness after divorce, rebuilding life after divorce, divorce support, co parenting after divorce, divorce mindset, starting over after divorce, divorce podcast #DivorceRecovery #LifeAfterDivorce #DivorceSupport #DivorcePodcast #DivorceHelp #StartingOver #HealingJourney #CoParenting #DivorceAdvice #HowNotToSuckAtDivorce 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

    16 min
  6. APR 22

    Divorce Mistakes That Cost Thousands and How to Avoid Them

    Divorce Mistakes That Cost Thousands: What NOT to Do Before You File Divorce mistakes can cost you thousands, especially when you don’t understand the divorce process, hiring a divorce lawyer, or how parenting agreements and legal decisions actually work. 👉 Before you take your next step, grab the $50 Divorce Crash Course to avoid costly divorce mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start. Typically priced at 150, available now for $50, thanks to our angel underwriters. In this powerful and personal episode, Andrea shares the biggest divorce mistakes she made and what she would do differently. From hiring the wrong attorney to rushing through parenting agreements and making emotional decisions instead of strategic ones, this episode breaks down the real-life consequences of going through divorce blindly. If you’re thinking about divorce or currently in the process, this conversation will help you avoid costly missteps, protect your finances, and make smarter decisions from the start. You’ll learn how to navigate divorce with clarity, avoid common legal and financial pitfalls, and take control of your situation before small mistakes turn into expensive consequences. In This Episode You Will Learn✅ The most expensive divorce mistakes people make early in the process ✅ Why hiring the wrong attorney can cost you thousands ✅ How emotional decision-making leads to poor legal outcomes ✅ What to look for in parenting agreements before signing ✅ How to avoid unnecessary legal fees and communication mistakes ✅ Why education and preparation can completely change your outcome 💰“You can either spend $50 now… or spend thousands later learning the hard way like we did. Your call. Divorce Crash Course 👇 https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseTimestamps(00:00) The most expensive divorce mistake: going in blindly (01:32) Waiting too long to take action and ignoring red flags (04:45) Hiring the wrong divorce attorney and why it matters (09:05) Signing agreements without fully understanding them (11:30) Temporary agreements and why they can cost you later (13:49) Lack of education and why it leads to costly mistakes (17:29) Balancing life, dating, and divorce without rushing decisions (18:16) Protecting your kids and setting communication boundaries (20:24) Co-parenting apps and why documentation matters (23:06) Unrealistic expectations and emotional decision-making (27:33) How to avoid costly legal communication mistakes (28:22) How the Divorce Crash Course helps you avoid these mistakes Key Takeaways🔹 Going into divorce without a plan is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make 🔹 Hiring the wrong attorney or rushing the decision can lead to long-term financial consequences 🔹 Emotional reactions during divorce often result in poor decisions and higher legal fees 🔹 Taking time to understand agreements—especially parenting and financial terms—is critical 🔹 Education, preparation, and strategy can save you thousands and reduce stress throughout the process 👤 About the HostsMorgan Stogsdill is the Head of Family Law at one of the largest family law firms in the country, bringing expert legal insight and strategy to every episode. Andrea Rappaport is a comedian and divorce survivor who shares real, unfiltered experiences to help others navigate divorce with clarity, strength, and confidence. Resources: 👉 Divorce Crash Course hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 OurFamilyWizard (Co-Parenting App) ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck 👉 How to Hire the Right Attorney Guide hownottosuckatdivorce.com/guides divorce mistakes, divorce lawyer advice, divorce strategy, divorce crash course, parenting agreement divorce, divorce finances, legal mistakes divorce, high conflict divorce, hiring a divorce attorney, divorce help, divorce planning #DivorceAdvice #DivorceMistakes #DivorceCrashCourse #DivorceHelp #DivorceStrategy #FamilyLaw #CoParenting #LifeAfterDivorce #LegalAdvice #DivorceSupport #Podcast

    35 min
  7. APR 17

    Is Your Divorce Lawyer Making Your Case More Expensive? What's Really Going On Behind The Scenes of Your Divorce...

    If you're really concerned about saving money in your divorce, then you need The Divorce Crash Course- it will save you THOUSANDS. Get it here. If your ex or the other side is telling you that your divorce lawyer “isn’t doing their job”… don’t panic just yet. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan Stogsdill break down one of the most common—and manipulative—tactics used during divorce: making you doubt your own attorney. You’ll learn why the other side often blames your lawyer when they’re feeling pressure, how this tactic is used to gain leverage, and how to tell the difference between strategy and an actual problem with your legal representation. Because while it can happen… most of the time, it’s not what you think. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:Why your ex says your lawyer isn’t doing their jobHow “splitting” is used to create doubt and gain leverageWhen this happens most (mediation, proposals, pressure moments)Why lack of response can actually be a legal strategyHow to avoid spiraling and wasting money reacting emotionallyThe real signs your divorce lawyer might actually be the problemWhen to trust the process vs. when to question it KEY TAKEAWAY:Just because the other side says your lawyer is the problem… 👉 doesn’t make it true. In fact, it may mean: 👉 your lawyer is doing something right—and they’re feeling the pressure. REAL RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:Your lawyer consistently misses deadlinesYou’re not getting responses within a reasonable timeframeOpposing counsel repeatedly calls out real deficienciesJudges or mediators are pushing back on your attorney’s position 👉 One comment = noise 👉 A pattern = something to evaluate RESOURCES:Want to stop second-guessing everything and start making smarter decisions? 👉 Get the Divorce Crash Course: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course 👉 Listen to more episodes: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/podcast 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

    39 min
  8. APR 15

    Divorce Pro Tip: How to Get What You Want (Without Losing Track in Negotiations)- Mini Episode

    Get the Divorce Crash Course and grab your Balance Sheet Template here! Struggling to get what you want in your divorce? You’re not alone—and the problem may not be what you’re asking for, but how you’re negotiating. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan Stogsdill break down one of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make during divorce negotiations—and how to fix it. Using a real-life example of “Chad and Brenda,” they explain why disorganized settlement proposals, scattered responses, and multiple documents can quickly derail progress, increase stress, and cost you time and money. You’ll learn how to stay aligned in negotiations, keep proposals clear, and use simple visual tools—like structured documents and balance sheets—to track progress and make smarter decisions. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:How to negotiate effectively in divorceWhy responding within the same proposal structure mattersThe biggest mistake people make in settlement negotiationsHow to avoid confusion and “losing track” during back-and-forth offersWhy using one document or balance sheet can simplify the entire processHow visual organization can reduce stress and improve outcomes KEY TAKEAWAY:Divorce negotiations aren’t just about what you ask for—they’re about how clearly and strategically you communicate. When everything is organized in one place, you make better decisions, avoid unnecessary conflict, and move the process forward more efficiently. RESOURCES:Want a simple way to organize your divorce finances and negotiations? 👉 Grab the Divorce Crash Course (includes a balance sheet template designed to help you stay clear and in control): https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course FINAL THOUGHT:Divorce is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying organized, asking the right questions, and using the right tools can make all the difference. You’ve got this—and we’ve got you. 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

    10 min
4.7
out of 5
279 Ratings

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Most people make expensive divorce mistakes before they even understand the process. Get expert divorce advice, practical divorce help, and cost-effective divorce strategies to avoid costly mistakes, reduce legal fees, and navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Most people spend thousands learning this the hard way. Don’t be one of them. The Divorce Crash Course (a $150 value, available for $50) shows you exactly how to prepare for divorce, avoid costly legal mistakes, and protect your finances before you even hire a lawyer. How Not to Suck at Divorce is the divorce podcast for people who want real answers, smart strategy, and emotional clarity during one of the most stressful times of life. This isn’t surface-level advice or generic legal talk. It’s honest, practical divorce guidance designed to help you make better decisions from the very beginning. Hosted by powerhouse family law attorney Morgan Stogsdill, head of family law at one of the largest firms in the country, and comedian-turned-marketing expert Andrea Rappaport, the show combines legal expertise with real-life experience. Together, they break down what actually matters in divorce and what too many people get wrong. Each episode focuses on the decisions that can cost you the most if you’re not prepared, from custody and co-parenting to negotiations, communication, and financial strategy. You’ll learn what to say to your lawyer, how to prepare for divorce before you file, and how to manage emotions without letting them derail your case. If you want a clear, step-by-step plan instead of figuring this out on your own, The Divorce Crash Course walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after divorce so you can make smarter decisions with less stress. This podcast is built for every stage of the process. Whether you’re thinking about divorce, in the middle of it, or rebuilding your life after, you’ll find clear divorce planning strategies, practical tools, and real-world guidance you can actually use. It’s about protecting your kids, your finances, and your future while staying grounded through a process that can easily feel overwhelming. What makes this show different is the combination of expert insight, real-world scenarios, and a tone that doesn’t feel heavy or intimidating. You’ll hear conversations with leading experts in law, psychology, finance, and safety, alongside honest discussions about the emotional side of divorce, including stress, conflict, and starting over. 💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to avoid costly divorce mistakes and reduce legal fees Divorce strategy, planning, and decision-making frameworks How to prepare for divorce before hiring a lawyer (and avoid expensive legal missteps) Co-parenting strategies and managing high-conflict personalities Communication tools to protect your case and reduce stress Financial planning, asset protection, and negotiation strategies Mindset tools to stay clear, calm, and in control From high-conflict communication strategies like the BIFF method to understanding financial transparency, custody dynamics, and digital safety, each episode is designed to give you clarity on what matters most. You’ll also hear from experts like Bill Eddy on managing conflict, Steven Bradley on tech and digital safety, and Dr. Nadine Macaluso on trauma, healing, and emotional resilience. At its core, this podcast is about helping you make smarter decisions during one of the most important transitions of your life. It’s practical, strategic, and grounded in real experience. And if you’re ready for a more structured approach, The Divorce Crash Course is there to guide you every step of the way. You’ll get through this. And you’ll do it better than you think.

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