Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-05-14 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-05-14

The Significance of Taking your Wedding Ring Off

We know it takes an average of 5 years of marital discord and conflict for a person to decide to leave the marriage. Many of those individuals are women, and the process of detaching and growing apart from their spouse was happening during the marriage itself. This means that the identity associated with the ring began to lose its value, even sentimentally. When you repeatedly attempt to salvage a marriage, and it withers away over time, the rings and all those promises made years ago no longer hold the same significance.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-04-30 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-04-30

Divorce Dilemma: Trapped Together by High Housing Costs

When a couple is going through what is considered the second most stressful event in their lives, they may find themselves in the unexpected predicament of sharing a home. This is a hard and challenging situation, and for anyone who has experienced divorce, it's clear that this is far from the ideal choice.

In the past, the idea of a divorced couple living together for an extended period seemed uncommon, almost unheard of. However, as we grapple with high inflation and economic downturns, this arrangement is becoming increasingly prevalent. Couples co-parent, come and go as they please, or one parent may find themselves relegated to living in the basement. It's a new reality born out of financial necessity, and it's reshaping the way we think about post-divorce living arrangements.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-04-16 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-04-16

Grey Divorce and the Effects on your Children

What struck me in that conversation was the assumption that once kids grow up, we often think our children are somehow shielded from the impact of divorce. The reality is, that divorce is a significant event with lasting effects that extend beyond just the younger ones in the family. Recent statistics reveal that 16.4% of divorces involve marriages of 25 years or more, and 42% occur in marriages lasting between 10 and 24 years. While it's acknowledged that divorce does affect children, especially in high-conflict situations, the idea that young adults come out unscathed is incorrect. Challenges and grief persist, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of the impact of divorce on individuals of all ages

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-04-02 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-04-02

Why do we feel like failures in Divorce?

Shifting the focus from self-blame to a thoughtful examination of the marriage's dynamics offers valuable insights. Exploring where the relationship fell short in meeting emotional needs, fostering communication, and maintaining a healthy, secure connection helps individuals disentangle from feelings of guilt and shame. This change in perspective enables a more objective reflection on the factors contributing to the marriage's breakdown without unnecessary rumination.

Discovering the foundations of a thriving marital relationship involves recognizing the significance of effective communication, feeling secure and safe, mutual trust, emotional intimacy, mutual respect, and shared values. Identifying these elements allows individuals to form a clearer vision of what they seek in future relationships, fostering personal growth and the cultivation of healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-03-19 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-03-19

High-Conflict Divorce: Co-Parenting vs. Parallel Parenting

It's crucial to clarify that the terms "co-parenting" and "parallel parenting" are not legal terms; instead, they are practical strategies designed to help divorced parents navigate the complexities of raising children separately. These strategies emphasize the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the children during and after divorce proceedings, providing a framework for effective parenting collaboration despite any lingering personal conflicts. The parents themselves decide that parallel parenting is right for them or with help from legal representatives. The best parallel parenting arrangement begins with clear rules and expectations established from the beginning. Since minimal contact between parents is a key aim, creating detailed parallel parenting plans covering various future scenarios is usually beneficial.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-03-05 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-03-05

Why would I Ever Date again?

However, as a woman now in my 40s, I questioned my attractiveness and how I would be perceived. I was forgetting that most people I would be dating would have the same thoughts. When you're young, you carry less baggage and can focus on your life and your partner's. However, when you're dating after divorce, especially with children in the picture, it can often feel like an intricate juggling act. You have so much more to think about than just yourself and that other person. There are many things to consider when you think about going dating after divorce.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-02-21 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-02-21

My Best Friend is divorcing. Should I get one too?

Have you ever had a conversation with a dear married friend about your divorce, only to notice them growing visibly uncomfortable as if the topic itself were taboo or made them uncomfortable? I distinctly recall such moments, not only with one friend but with several within my social network. Looking back, it was as if I had unwittingly contracted some contagious ailment, leaving them hesitant to engage in an in-depth discussion about my divorce. Little did I know that years later, I would stumble upon a captivating study from Brown University that sheds light on this very phenomenon.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-01-24 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-01-24

Slow Death, Sudden Departure: Navigating Grief in Divorce

Among the many hurdles that arise during this process is learning to establish and maintain clear boundaries with your ex. Failing to set boundaries can give rise to various problems such as your personal well-being and personal space, remaining co-dependant on your ex, may complicate the financial situations and it can cause difficulties in co-parenting. By understanding these challenges, we can explore strategies to overcome them and foster a healthier and more empowering divorce journey

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-01-03 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2024-01-03

The Emerging Trend of Mediation in Divorce

For generations, litigation was the only choice, with the potential to turn every divorce into a courtroom spectacle. Litigation is inherently adversarial, and the costs alone are exorbitant. However, against this backdrop of tradition, change is slowly sweeping across continents with the introduction of family mediation as a compelling alternative. The surging popularity of mediation is bringing about significant changes in how divorces are managed. These changes go beyond financial matters; they are fundamentally reshaping the entire landscape of divorce proceedings.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-12-13 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-12-13

Finding Holiday Joy after Divorce: Navigating Your First Holidays

The initial Christmas following a divorce can be an incredibly tough and solitary journey. Reflecting on my own experience, I can still recall the deluge of overwhelming anxiety and complex emotions that enveloped me as I anticipated my first Christmas post-separation. Questions swirled in my mind. How would I spend some of the holidays without my children? How would my family respond to my new separated status? Adjusting to this significant change in my holiday dynamics brought forth a multitude of feelings, leaving me with a blend of apprehension and uncertainty.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-11-01 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-11-01

I was used as my Parents messenger in their Divorce

As someone who has been through a divorce, I believe it's crucial for those exploring or going through this challenging journey to understand what it feels like to be a child of divorce. Often, children become the forgotten ones amidst the turmoil, stress, and uncertainty of divorce. As a divorced person myself, I have viewed the lens in both sets of eyes. Both are difficult, and I understand how hard it can be to balance being a good parent while navigating the complexities of divorce. However, it is the child that needs to be thought of the most.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-10-25 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-10-25

Divorce and Halloween: Tips for a Smooth and Joyful Celebration

For many children, including my own, Halloween is not just another day—it's a BIG deal! My children talk about Halloween just as much as they do about Christmas. The adventures of Halloween start at a young age, as they excitedly don their cute little outfits and embark on a journey of spooky fun. Or as they grow older, they start having real involvement in choosing their Halloween costumes for the year. As families, we cherish the special Halloween traditions and routines we've built over the years, maybe we hosted or attended annual Halloween parties or went out with a group of friends or loved ones. However, all of this changes when divorce enters the picture, and suddenly, Halloween can become a bit tricky to navigate. The significance of this cherished occasion in our children's lives demands that we prioritize their happiness and ensure they have a magical Halloween without any unnecessary tension-filled moments.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-09-27 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-09-27

The Resilience of Love: Embracing Remarriage After Divorce

As human beings, we are wired for attachment, including romantic love. So, when I recently came across statistics revealing that many individuals tend to remarry after divorce, I wasn't entirely surprised.

While we are well aware of the high divorce rates for second and third marriages, it seems that this doesn't deter a significant number of women (52%) and men (64%) from taking that leap of faith once again. This newfound understanding was intriguing, as it shed light on the unwavering belief in the institution of marriage, even after experiencing the challenges of divorce.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-09-13 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-09-13

Navigating Divorce: Establishing Effective Boundaries

Among the many hurdles that arise during this process is learning to establish and maintain clear boundaries with your ex. Failing to set boundaries can give rise to various problems such as your personal well-being and personal space, remaining co-dependant on your ex, may complicate the financial situations and it can cause difficulties in co-parenting. By understanding these challenges, we can explore strategies to overcome them and foster a healthier and more empowering

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-08-30 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-08-30

Facing the Ostrich Syndrome: Confronting the Realities of Divorce

Divorce is undoubtedly a challenging journey, filled with various difficulties that can be overwhelming to navigate. It's common for individuals to exhibit what is known as the Ostrich Syndrome - the tendency to avoid confronting the problems associated with the dissolution of a marriage. This avoidance can have detrimental effects within the context of divorce, leading to missed opportunities and increased stress.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-08-16 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-08-16

Journey Through Seasons: Co-Parenting Lessons from a Child of Divorce

As a child from a divorced family, I've had the unique opportunity to experience both the joys and challenges of being co-parented during both the summer and the school year. My parent’s divorce was nothing but combative in nature and that stayed that way a quite a long time. My journey offers some insights that I hope can shed light on the perspective of a child in such circumstances.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-08-02 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-08-02

Spotting Narcissistic Red Flags in Post-Divorce Dating:

However, for those of us who have endured a tough and abusive marriage, the thought of attracting someone with similar traits to our ex-spouse is a genuine concern and downright scary.

When I ventured into the world of online dating after my divorce, I approached it with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Having endured years of abuse from my ex, it took me a while to wake up to the fact that he possessed strong narcissistic traits.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-07-05 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-07-05

Men and women divorce differently

Have you ever heard of the book "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus"? This best-selling book explored the fundamental differences between men and women in relationships. Interestingly, but not really surprising that these differences can also manifest during the challenging process of divorce.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-05-09 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-05-09

No Child Support

I have not received any child support or help for extra child expenses for my two daughters in over 4 years. Is this a common problem in North America? It seems so. In Canada, only 59% of single-parent households who were owed child support actually received the full amount they were owed. This means that about 40%, including myself, do not receive the financial support that we are “legally entitled to”. In the United States, it is even worse, where only 44 % of primary parents who are owed child support received the full amount they were due.

Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-04-25 Karen Omand, B.A Soc, B.A Than, CT 2023-04-25

Pet Custody in Divorce

Interestingly, we are hearing about this more because according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, over a quarter of respondents reported an increase in disputes over pet ownership and care in the past five years. That's right, more than 1 in 4 divorce cases now involves a heated battle over who gets the family pet. With the majority of North American households owning a cat or dog, about 58% of people in Canada and the USA it is 67%. It's no surprise that pets are often viewed as cherished members of the family

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