In this episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, Heather McGinley, Emmy award-winning author and founder of The Happily Never After, shares her powerful story of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian family with 21 siblings and how her unconventional upbringing shaped her approach to relationships and divorce. She discusses the mistakes she made during her divorce process, including not interviewing multiple attorneys and failing to file for temporary support, while offering hope that life's most difficult endings can lead to beautiful new beginnings.

• Heather's shocking revelation about growing up as the eldest of many children in a "quiverfull" fundamentalist Christian household (hit play to find out HOW many siblings 👀)
• How religious trauma and purity culture affected her ability to form healthy relationships
• The moment her therapist helped her realize she had shut down emotionally as a survival mechanism
• Why she says she "should have gotten divorced before getting married"
• Her biggest mistakes during the divorce process, including financial decisions that cost her $20,000
• Her experience working as a producer on Oprah's show and the valuable lessons about intention
• The "bathroom floor" moments during divorce and how to get through them
• How divorce became the catalyst for her personal growth and ability to love authentically

Questions Answered in This Episode

• How does childhood trauma affect relationship choices in adulthood?
• What are the biggest mistakes people make when hiring a divorce attorney?
• When should you file for temporary spousal support during divorce proceedings?
• How do you know when it's time to get divorced?
• Why does divorce often get harder before it gets better?
• What should be on your divorce support team?
• How can you maintain hope during the darkest moments of divorce?
• What role does personal growth play in the divorce process?
• How do you move from surviving to thriving after divorce?

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

Fear. It’s the uninvited guest in every divorce and today, we’re dragging it into the light. Andrea and Morgan sit down with Crazy Ex-Wives Club host Erica Bennett, whose own divorce journey turned from heartbreak and confusion into a masterclass in emotional self-preservation. Erica shares how fear nearly derailed her decisions, how she clawed back her confidence, and why your fear is lying to you. From psychic readings to the art of “future tripping,” this episode is packed with hard truths, solid strategies, and a big reminder that you are not alone in the chaos.

What you’ll learn:

• Why fear is a terrible advisor during divorce

• How to identify fear-based thinking before it tanks your decisions

• The problem with “future tripping” and how to stop it

• Tips to reset your nervous system when you’re spiraling

• What really happens during trial separations (and why they often backfire)

• The emotional cost of being “too nice” during divorce

• How to keep your kids at the center and not the middle of co-parenting

• Tools for managing communication when your ex checks out

• Why shared custody must come with accountability

• How Erica rebuilt her life and happiness post-divorce

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

Andrea and Morgan are diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of pre-divorce decisions, from trial separations and nesting, to financial agreements and moving out. With personal stories, expert legal insight, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at the edge of a marital crossroads. Whether you’re considering divorce or simply feeling unsettled, this episode will help you think three steps ahead and avoid the most common (and very costly) mistakes.

What you’ll learn:

• Why trial separations may backfire (especially if kids are involved)
• The pros and serious cons of nesting during separation
• How moving out early can hurt your case without proper legal strategy
• Why unofficial financial deals are a huge red flag
• What to do instead: safe, strategic first moves to protect yourself

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