Divorce Support Resources

Online resources when you’re contemplating divorce or ready to begin the process (US only):
Great breakdown of common divorce and family laws questions, including easy explanations and legal requires per state.

Directs you to state information and processes for filing court papers and petitions on your own without an attorney, including answers to common questions.

Helpful websites to visit as you craft your divorce (Illinois specific):
Gives great insight into divorce law in Illinois and the lens by which a judge would view a case, which helps when negotiating an agreement and determining what is reasonable and what might not be.

Provides standardized forms that can be used as basic, rough guides to create your own documents, or can be filled out online and used as part of your formal divorce paperwork if desired.

Great resource for estimating standard child support payments based on income of both parents and other factors as laid out by Illinois law. Used frequently by couples who choose a “true up” child support model as opposed to a set amount. It’s important to note that this is an estimate only of what a judge may order if left to the court to decide. All situations are different. Child support can be, and often is, negotiated.

If you live outside of Illinois or the US, look for these resources in your state or territory.

“Attached” explores how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. It provides a deeper understanding of why we behave the way we do in romantic connections, helping you build stronger, healthier relationships based on emotional awareness. Several “aha” moments in here.
Gary Chapman’s book reveals five distinct ways people express love, helping you understand your partner’s needs better. By learning to speak your partner’s love language, you can improve communication, strengthen your relationship, and create a deeper emotional bond. A must read!
Like the original, this book helps parents identify and speak their child’s unique love language to improve communication and strengthen their bond. By understanding how to effectively show love, parents can reduce behavioral issues and promote positive behavior, leading to a more harmonious relationship. Valuable information for any parent struggling with a child.
Dr. John Gottman’s groundbreaking book offers seven research-based principles to help couples create long-lasting, fulfilling marriages. These practical strategies foster better communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection, making it easier for couples to thrive together. This book should be required reading for newlyweds and anyone looking to improve their marriage, or get into another one.
In this book, Drs John & Julie Gottman offer a fresh approach to conflict in relationships, showing that disagreement doesn’t have to lead to disconnection. By teaching couples how to communicate effectively during conflict, it helps turn heated moments into opportunities for growth and understanding.
In this book, Esther Perel examines the tension between love and desire in long-term relationships. It offers fresh insights into maintaining passion and eroticism, guiding couples to keep their relationships both secure and exciting. It’s provocative and challenges what you know about love, sex and intimacy.
Shirley Glass explores the complex emotions and recovery process after infidelity. This book provides practical steps for rebuilding trust, healing emotional wounds, and restoring intimacy in relationships affected by betrayal.
Another Esther Perel book that offers a new perspective on infidelity, expanding the conversation beyond its destructive impact on relationships. It delves into the reasons people cheat, the meaning it holds for them, and challenges the assumption that ending the relationship is always the best solution.
In “Boundary Boss,” Terri Cole provides the tools to set clear and healthy boundaries without guilt. This book helps you take charge of your life by teaching you how to protect your time, energy, and well-being while maintaining positive relationships. Most people could be better at maintaining their boundaries!
Melody Beattie’s classic helps break the cycle of codependency by teaching self-love and healthy relationship practices. It offers guidance on setting boundaries and reclaiming independence, helping you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Patricia Papernow offers guidance for navigating the complexities of blended families and it’s impacts on children. This book equips readers with strategies for building strong relationships, effective communication, and understanding when a new partner or spouse enters the family dynamic.
Pema Chödrön offers wisdom and advice for handling life’s toughest moments with grace. This book provides practical tools from Tibetan Buddhism for cultivating resilience, compassion, and inner peace during times of personal or collective struggle.
This book by Michael Singer encourages a journey into inner peace and freedom by letting go of mental and emotional burdens. “The Untethered Soul” teaches you to break free from limiting thoughts and past traumas and offers valuable insights for living a more authentic and peaceful life.
Dr. Wayne Dyer’s “The Power of Intention” shows how aligning your thoughts with your deepest desires can help you create the life you want. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear intentions, and how doing so can manifest positive outcomes and growth in every area of life. A gem!
A book I’ve listened to multiple times (you can find it for free on YouTube). Dr. Wayne Dyer uncovers common patterns of negative thinking that keep us stuck and offers tools to break free. He empowers you to challenge self-limiting beliefs and make choices that lead to a more fulfilling and independent life.
Gary Zukav explores the connection between human consciousness and spiritual growth. It helps readers align their actions with their higher purpose, guiding them toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life. An Oprah favorite too!
“Soundtracks” teaches how to stop overthinking by replacing negative thought patterns with positive, empowering ones. Jon Acuff shows you how to rewrite the mental scripts that hold you back, giving you the tools to move forward with confidence.
Marianne Williamson’s best seller emphasizes the power of love and forgiveness in healing our lives. Through a spiritual lens, it invites readers to choose love over fear, leading to personal growth and a greater sense of connection with others. Lots of great wisdom in this book.
Louise Hay provides powerful tools for personal growth, including affirmations and exercises. It helps you release past hurts, cultivate self-love, and transform limiting beliefs, guiding you toward physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
This book by Martha Beck is a guide to living authentically by aligning your actions with your values. It shows how integrity leads to greater happiness and fulfillment, empowering readers to live life true to themselves. Martha is a great teacher who’s own story is remarkable, courageous, and inspiring.
One of my most favorite books of all time! Paulo Coelho’s beloved story about pursuing dreams and listening to one’s heart encourages readers to trust the journey. “The Alchemist” inspires you to follow your own path and pursue your personal legend, discovering that the treasure lies within.