I know how it feels to be moving through the world in a fog after your partner tells you they want a divorce. All at the same time, you think you need to learn everything, know everything, yet don't feel equipped or able to do anything. At least that was my experience…

You see, one day I was doing some work at the kitchen table before tennis practice. Tennis was the last thing I had held onto that was just for me, since my husband lost his job the year prior, and I went to work as a financial advisor.

Moments before I left for my practice, he walked in the door with his cup of coffee, leaned against the counter, and told me he wanted a divorce. No kindness. No discussion. 

I went through the following days, weeks, and months experiencing many big emotions, and at the same time I had to make all of these BIG life decisions. I needed to understand what divorce meant and how it was done. And I needed to start making decisions that would shape the rest of my life and my children's lives. These decisions all felt impossible to make being in such a gut wrenching emotional state.

Even then, I had an advantage over many in the same position. I had always taken care of the family finances, so at least I had an idea of where we were starting. What I didn't know were the questions to ask. What I was able to have control of. What mistakes to avoid. And what I even needed to make choices about. 

I also didn't know how to be in the world because my community was never the same once they heard we were getting divorced. I didn't realize that ending a marriage also ends almost everything in your life as you know it. 

I quickly found out that there’s a common theme in divorce. You just don’t know what you don’t know. 

Fast forward many years, I've made it my passion and priority to help others get through that confusing time with more information and empowerment (and less confusion and damage to their family and finances). 

That's why I wrote this book. To help those thinking about - or in the early stages of divorce - learn about their options and take power over their process. This book helps people know that divorce doesn't have to be devastating; it can be a transition to a better life. 

I want you to have the information and support I wish I had to navigate divorce and to ease the uncertainty of your financial security as you embark on this new phase in your journey. Here is your guidebook to navigate divorce with dignity, and safeguard your family and finances. 

You're not alone. I’ve got your back.