Divorce Happens

A broken heart doesn’t just ache—it disorients. It changes how you sleep, how you think, how you trust yourself, and how you imagine the future. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with therapist and divorce recovery expert Oona Metz to talk about what heartbreak really looks like during and after divorce—and how healing actually happens. With nearly 30 years as a licensed therapist and more than 15 years leading women through divorce support groups, Oona brings rare clarity to an experience many people feel but struggle to name.Oona explains why heartbreak after divorce isn’t just emotional pain—it’s a full nervous system response shaped by loss, identity disruption, and often emotional neglect or emotional abuse. Drawing from her clinical work and client stories, she describes how grief and relief can coexist, why healing rarely moves in a straight line, and why so many people feel “stuck” long after the paperwork is done. Together, Olivia and Oona unpack the hidden layers of divorce recovery: the quiet shame, the fear of trusting again, and the moment when people realize they’re not broken—they’re grieving a life they thought they’d have.This episode offers both comfort and direction. Listeners will walk away with mindset shifts—like understanding that healing a broken heart doesn’t require closure from an ex—and practical takeaways, including why community support matters, how boundaries protect emotional healing (especially when co-parenting), and what actually helps rebuild emotional resilience. Oona also shares how these insights shaped her forthcoming book, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women, which centers the emotional journey of divorce from heartbreak to renewal. If you’re navigating divorce recovery, single mom life, or starting over after a painful ending, this conversation is a reminder: heartbreak is survivable—and healing is possible.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell explains one of the most essential parts of the divorce process: orders. Brought to you by the letter O and the number 4, this episode breaks down the four major types of orders — temporary orders, financial orders, custody and parenting time orders, and final orders — and explains how they guide, protect, and structure the entire divorce journey.Listeners learn why orders matter, what happens when someone violates an order, and how these instructions create predictability and safety during a highly emotional time. Olivia also offers a grounding action step to help listeners understand which orders already exist in their case or may be coming next.This episode is ideal for anyone newly navigating divorce, trying to understand court paperwork, or feeling overwhelmed by legal terminology.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell speaks with therapist and divorce recovery expert Oona Metz about why healing after divorce happens faster—and feels less isolating—when it’s done in community. Drawing on nearly 30 years of clinical experience and 15+ years leading women’s divorce support groups, Oona breaks down what actually happens inside a therapist-led divorce support group, how confidentiality and emotional safety work, and why shared experience helps women rebuild self-trust, boundaries, and a sense of identity after divorce.Oona also shares the heart behind her book, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women, which focuses on the emotional journey of divorce—including grief, relief, anger, fear, and the identity shift no one prepares you for. If you’re navigating divorce recovery, co-parenting stress, emotional abuse fallout, or starting over as a single mom, this episode offers validation, practical guidance, and a clear message of hope: divorce is hard, but healing is real—and it gets better on the other side.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell explains the importance of notice in the divorce process. Brought to you by the letter N and the number 30, the episode breaks down what notice is, why legally valid service is required, what methods are accepted in most states, and how notice ensures fairness, predictability, and due process in divorce proceedings.Listeners learn the emotional and logistical realities of giving and receiving notice, as well as the common “30-day rule” that governs many divorce deadlines and responses. Olivia also offers a grounding action step to help listeners organize their next 30 days of divorce-related tasks.This episode is ideal for anyone beginning the divorce process, preparing for service, or navigating upcoming court deadlines.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

When I went through my own divorce, I wasn’t looking for legal jargon or financial formulas—I was looking for someone who could sit with me in the emotional wreckage and say, You’re not broken. You’re becoming. In this solo episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell shares why Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women is the book she desperately needed during her own divorce—and why she believes every woman navigating this transition should have it within arm’s reach.Olivia walks listeners through what makes Unhitched different from every other divorce book on the shelf. Written by nationally recognized therapist Oona Metz, the book centers the emotional reality of divorce—grief, identity loss, relief, fear, boundaries, co-parenting, and rebuilding—rather than just the logistics. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Oona offers psychological insight that feels human, compassionate, and deeply grounding. Olivia reflects on how the book mirrors what so many women experience but struggle to name, especially the quiet shame, the “both/and” emotions, and the sense that life has split into before and after.This episode is both a review and a call to action. Olivia explains why Unhitched isn’t about “bouncing back,” but about growing forward—meeting women exactly where they are, whether they’re still deciding to leave, navigating single mom life, or redefining themselves years after divorce. Listeners will walk away with a powerful mindset shift: divorce isn’t a personal failure—it’s a human transition that deserves real support. Olivia’s invitation is simple and heartfelt: preorder Unhitched for yourself, for a friend who’s quietly struggling, and for the future version of you who deserves to feel seen.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell breaks down the meaning of mediation — one of the most common and collaborative ways to navigate divorce without litigation. Brought to you by the letter M and the number 3, the episode explains the three essential qualities that make mediation successful: openness, honesty, and willingness to find common ground.Listeners learn what mediation is, how it works, when it’s appropriate, and when it’s not. Olivia explains the mediator’s role, the emotional experience of sitting across from a spouse, and why mediation offers many families a more peaceful, cost-effective path forward. A grounding action step helps listeners identify their own intentions for the process.This episode is ideal for anyone considering mediation, entering mediation sessions, or weighing different divorce process options.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

Divorce doesn’t usually arrive all at once. It creeps in through sleepless nights, quiet dread, and the feeling that the life you’re living no longer fits the person you’ve become. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with therapist and Fresh Starts Expert Oona Metz, whose decades of clinical experience—and lived experience—offer rare clarity in the fog of divorce. Oona is the author of Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women, a book written for women navigating the emotional, psychological, and identity-shifting realities of divorce, not just the logistics.Oona brings over 30 years as a therapist and more than 15 years running divorce support groups for women, alongside her own experience being divorced twice. In this conversation, she shares what she’s witnessed in hundreds of clients: the grief that mirrors death but isn’t acknowledged as such, the shame many women carry—especially those who “should have known better”—and the profound identity rupture that comes when marriage ends. Together, Olivia and Oona unpack why divorce recovery is not linear, why emotional validation matters as much as legal strategy, and how boundaries, self-trust, and support systems become survival tools during this transition.What makes this episode transformative is its permission-giving. Permission to gather information without making immediate decisions. Permission to grieve without explanation. Permission to start over without apologizing. Listeners will walk away with practical mindset shifts—like reframing divorce as a life transition rather than a failure—and actionable insights on assembling a support team, protecting emotional safety, and honoring the slow work of healing. This episode is a steady hand on your back for anyone navigating divorce recovery, emotional abuse fallout, co-parenting transitions, or single mom life—and a reminder that divorce happens, but so does healing.GRAB UNHITCHED HERE: https://amzn.to/4pBQvG9🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell explains what a legal separation is, how it works, and why some couples choose it instead of divorce. Brought to you by the letter L and the number 6, this episode outlines the six most common reasons couples choose legal separation — from health insurance considerations to religious beliefs to emotional readiness and financial protection.Listeners learn what legal separation does (and doesn’t) accomplish, how it compares to divorce, and why it is available only in certain states. Olivia also explores the emotional complexity of choosing separation and offers a grounding action step to help listeners assess whether this option might support their needs.This episode is perfect for anyone considering separation, evaluating divorce options, or needing clarity on legal choices during major life transitions.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In today’s Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell explains what a kitchen table agreement is and how couples can use this collaborative approach to outline the terms of their divorce without high conflict or litigation. Brought to you by the letter K and the number 2, this episode highlights why kitchen table agreements work best when two people can communicate respectfully and want to shape their own future rather than leave decisions to the courts.Listeners learn which topics are typically covered in a kitchen table agreement, why informal negotiations still need legal review, and when this approach is not appropriate — especially in situations involving abuse, imbalance of power, or limited financial transparency. Olivia also shares the emotional reality of sitting across the table from someone you’re separating from and offers a simple, grounding action step to support clarity and collaboration.This episode is ideal for couples pursuing mediation, amicable separation, or low-conflict divorce.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell explains the meaning of a divorce judgment — the final court order that legally ends a marriage. Brought to you by the letter J and the number 2, the episode breaks down the two major components of a judgment: the legal dissolution of the marriage, and the detailed terms outlining custody, support, property division, and more.Listeners learn the differences between a judgment, a decree, and a settlement agreement, and why the judgment becomes the foundational document for all future decisions, questions, or disputes. Olivia also addresses the emotional experience of receiving a final judgment and offers a simple action step to support clarity and empowerment.This episode is ideal for anyone in the final stages of divorce, reviewing paperwork, or preparing for settlement negotiations.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell breaks down one of the most common — and most misunderstood — legal terms in divorce: irreconcilable differences. Brought to you by the letter I and the number 1, this episode explains the meaning of irreconcilable differences in plain language, why it exists, and why most modern divorces use this no-fault ground.Listeners learn why this term simplifies the divorce process, how it protects privacy, and why it doesn’t require proving wrongdoing. Olivia also discusses the emotional reality behind the phrase — how something so simple can feel so heavy — and offers a grounding action step to support clarity and self-trust.This episode is perfect for anyone considering divorce or trying to understand modern no-fault filing requirements.📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In today’s Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell breaks down what a hearing actually is during a divorce. Brought to you by the letter H and the number 10, this five-minute explanation clarifies why hearings are usually short, simple, and procedural — often lasting 10 minutes or less — and why they matter even when they feel overwhelming.Listeners learn what happens during a hearing, the types of issues hearings resolve, the difference between a hearing and a trial, and why most of the fear around hearings comes from uncertainty, not reality. Olivia also offers a gentle action step to help listeners prepare emotionally for their next court date.This episode is ideal for anyone who has an upcoming hearing, feels anxious about court, or wants to better understand the legal process of divorce.📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In today’s Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell breaks down a key legal term at the start of every case: grounds for divorce. Brought to you by the letter G and the number 2, this five-minute guide explains the difference between fault-based and no-fault divorce, how each option works, and why most modern divorces proceed through the no-fault pathway.Listeners will learn which grounds may still affect alimony or custody, why no-fault divorce reduces conflict, and how to choose the filing approach that best supports emotional wellbeing, privacy, and safety. Olivia ends with a grounding action step to help listeners identify their intentions before filing.This episode is perfect for anyone considering divorce, navigating early legal steps, or supporting someone who is beginning the process.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this episode of Divorce Happens, we continue the Divorce 101 A to Z series with the letter F, breaking down the meaning of financial disclosure — one of the most essential steps in any divorce. Brought to you by the letter F and the number 30, this short, approachable episode explains what financial disclosure includes, why transparency is legally required, and how accurate information lays the groundwork for fair property division, alimony, and child support.Host Olivia Howell offers a gentle, clear explanation of the financial documents typically required, what happens if someone fails to disclose fully, and why understanding your financial picture can feel both emotional and empowering. She also shares a simple action step to help listeners begin organizing their financial information with confidence.This episode is ideal for anyone preparing for divorce, in the early stages of filing, or trying to understand the paperwork involved in creating a fair settlement.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In today’s Divorce 101 A to Z episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell explains the meaning of equitable distribution, the system most states use to divide marital property during divorce. Brought to you by the letter E and the number 50, this short, accessible episode helps listeners understand why equitable does not always mean 50/50 — and why fairness is based on context, not simple math.Listeners learn what counts as marital property, how courts determine a fair division, and why contributions like caregiving, homemaking, and career sacrifices matter. Olivia also shares a grounding action step that helps listeners begin organizing their financial picture with clarity and confidence.This episode is ideal for anyone beginning the divorce process, preparing for mediation, or trying to understand property division in an equitable distribution state.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In today’s Divorce 101 A to Z episode of the Divorce Happens podcast, Olivia Howell breaks down the meaning of a divorce decree, the final court order that officially ends a marriage. Brought to you by the letter D and the number 1, this short, accessible episode explains what a decree includes, why it matters, and how it functions as the single, legally binding document that shapes life after divorce.Listeners learn the difference between a decree, a settlement agreement, and a judgment — and why understanding this one document can prevent confusion, conflict, and overwhelm. Olivia also shares a grounding action step that helps listeners approach their decree (or the idea of one) with clarity and confidence.Whether you’re preparing for divorce, navigating the final stages, or supporting someone going through it, this Divorce 101 mini-lesson offers simplicity, reassurance, and practical guidance.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this episode of Divorce Happens, we continue the Divorce 101 A to Z series with the letter C, focusing on one of the most important and emotional aspects of divorce: custody. Brought to you by the letter C and the number 2, this short, accessible episode explains the difference between legal custody and physical custody, how parenting schedules work, and why custody is not about ‘winning’ or ‘losing’—it’s about creating stability and emotional safety for children.Host Olivia Howell offers a compassionate overview of custody basics, dispels common myths, and shares a grounding action step to help parents create security during a major transition. This episode is ideal for anyone navigating divorce with children, preparing for co-parenting, or simply trying to understand how custody decisions are made.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

This episode of Divorce Happens continues the Divorce 101 A to Z series with the letter B, where we break down one of the most important emotional skills during divorce: boundaries. Brought to you by the letter B and the number 2, this short, compassionate episode explains what boundaries are, why they matter, and how they can dramatically reduce conflict and overwhelm during a divorce or separation.Host Olivia Howell shares real-life examples of boundaries that support healthier communication, co-parenting rhythms, and emotional safety. She also names the internal discomfort many people feel when setting boundaries and offers validation for those learning this skill for the first time. The episode ends with a simple, grounding action step anyone can take today.Whether you’re navigating divorce, supporting a friend, or trying to understand healthier relationship dynamics, this Divorce 101 A to Z mini-lesson offers clarity, confidence, and emotional support.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

Welcome to Divorce 101 A to Z, the Divorce Happens mini-episode series designed to make confusing divorce terms simple, compassionate, and easy to understand. Today’s episode is brought to you by the letter A and the number 12, and we’re breaking down one of the most foundational financial terms in divorce: alimony.Host Olivia Howell explains what alimony really is (and what it isn’t), why courts award it, and how it supports financial stability during separation or divorce. You’ll learn the factors judges consider, the difference between temporary and long-term support, and why alimony exists as a bridge — not a punishment. This short, accessible episode also includes a grounding action step to help listeners begin building financial clarity and confidence during a difficult transition.Whether you’re actively navigating divorce, exploring your options, or helping someone you care about, this Divorce 101 episode offers clarity, emotional validation, and straightforward education.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/

In this episode, Olivia Howell explores the quiet but powerful turning point in divorce: the moment you realize you’re going to be okay. She explains how this moment emerges through small acts of courage, emotional honesty, and nervous system healing — long before life feels fully stable again.This five-minute episode offers deep reassurance and hope for anyone in the thick of divorce.🔗 Check out Fresh Starts Registry:The first & only divorce registry + support platform ➡ https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry🎙 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/📬 Magazine: https://divorceguidemagazine.com/