In many ways, divorce is a quintessentially personal decision-the choice to leave a marriage that causes harm or feels unfulfilling to the two people involved. But anyone who has gone through a divorce knows the additional public dimensions of breaking up, from intense shame and societal criticism to friends' and relatives' unsolicited advice. In Intimate Disconnections, Allison Alexy tells the fascinating story of the changing norms surrounding divorce in Japan in the early 2000s, when sudden demographic and social changes made it a newly visible and viable option. Not only will one of three Japanese marriages today end in divorce, but divorces are suddenly much more likely to be initiated by women who cite new standards for intimacy as their motivation. As people across Japan now consider divorcing their spouses, or work to avoid separation, they face complicated questions about the risks and possibilities marriage brings: How can couples be intimate without becoming suffocatingly close? How should they build loving relationships when older models are no longer feasible? What do you do, both legally and socially, when you just can't take it anymore? Relating the intensely personal stories from people experiencing different stages of divorce, Alexy provides a rich ethnography of Japan while also speaking more broadly to contemporary visions of love and marriage during an era in which neoliberal values are prompting wide-ranging transformations in homes across the globe.

With abandonment and adultery, there is no five-step plan for survival, but there can be hope and healing. "When Happily Ever After Shatters" will be a comfort to those who grieve in solitude, and a hope-filled practical guide for those whose lives have changed irrevocably. Susan Birdseye will help readers learn to honor God when there is no hope of restoration, survive abandonment in and out of marriage, glorify God during a divorce, walk children gracefully through the crisis as a single parent, please God as a single person, again, and truly forgive the one who wronged them.

Divorce is a tragedy--a tragedy that occurs one million times a year. How you look back upon this crucial milestone in your life is your choice. Following the practical advice offered in this essential book can help you acquire the tools that will make all the difference in the world. As so many of Gold's clients have said, I failed at my marriage. I'm not going to fail at my divorce.

The BBC Between the Covers Book Club Pick 'Sentence by sentence, Ben Hinshaw offers wit, sensitivity and sharp observation. Then slowly the reader sees the grand design - the intricate, braided storylines, sustained with energy and relish. It is entertaining, and something more - truly involving, like a whole novel sequence cleverly condensed' Hilary Mantel Surrounded by the dramatic beauty of Guernsey, a teenager discovers a secret and finds his betrayal has the power to ruin adult lives. In London, a marriage shot through with infidelity leads to a quest for revenge, resulting in a series of simultaneously comical and catastrophic events. And in California, as wildfires threaten landscapes and lives, a young veteran struggles with the trauma of war, seeking solace at a local ranch. In this extraordinary debut, a cast of characters grapple with unexpected betrayal, the loss of innocence and the lies we tell. With sharp insight, Ben Hinshaw illuminates the unnerving nature of what it means to grow up, to be a teenager playing at adulthood and an adult playing games.

Un-Settling speaks to mothers and their children who have settled enough already-to mothers whose marriage they'd settled for no longer worked, who took a big leap and resolved to build something better for their kids. But somewhere along the way, the anxiety over whether the kids are going to be okay has disconnected mothers from the fierce Warrior Mama who made that brave choice. Certified life coach Maggie McReynolds encourages mothers to take heart. Divorce is awful, but its aftermath is one of the richest opportunities mothers can ever be given to redefine themselves, dream big dreams, and make bold, life-defining choices about who they are, how they want to parent, and what they want to model for your kids. With the exhilarating fresh-start boldness of Under the Tuscan Sun and the tender, wry wisdom of Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions, Un-Settling guides mothers how to create the post-divorce life they've been longing for.

Ready to leave your divorce behind and live a life you love? After a long marriage, Jude Walsh found herself in a position she never thought possible: divorced. The life she knew was gone. To heal the pain of the divorce and create a different future for herself, Jude developed eight practices, which she shares with the goal of helping other women create the life of their dreams and thrive after divorce. In Post-Divorce Bliss, women learn to shift their perspective, go beyond grief, and transform their trauma, along with other practical skills for moving forward. With Jude's guidance and passion, women find themselves ready to leave their divorce behind and live a life they love.

Are you newly and shockingly divorced? You bought the "til death do us part" thing. Now you are alone, and perhaps feeling unlovable? Is being single again overwhelming, scary, and totally not what you want? Are you freaked out about ever getting your life back together? Do you ask yourself, "Where do I start?" every day, then take a few steps and give up when the grief or panic overtakes you? In Fear of Flying Solo: Recovery from Divorce, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Marsha Vaugn teaches those going through divorce how to manage the transition and all of the overwhelming to-do's that come with it. She guides them through asking for support, what to do (or not do) about sex and dating, how to begin anew, and what practices carry them forward into their new life. If you are caught in the divorce transition and don't want to do it alone, Fear of Flying Solo is there for you every step of the way.

Investigates social parents – people who function as parents but who may not be recognized as such in the eyes of the law What makes a person a parent? Around the world, same-sex couples are raising children; parents are separating and re-partnering, creating blended families; and children are living with grandparents, family friends, and other caregivers. In these situations, there is often an adult who acts like a parent but who is unconnected to the child through biogenetics, marriage, or adoption—the common paths for establishing legal parenthood. In many countries, this person is called a “social parent.” Psychologically, and especially from a child’s point of view, a social parent is a parent. But the legal status of a social parent is hotly debated. Social Parenthood in Comparative Perspective considers how the law does—and how it should—recognize social parenthood. The book begins with a psychological account of social parenthood, establishing the importance of a relationship between a child and a social parent and the harms of not protecting this relationship. It then turns to social scientists to identify and explore some circumstances when a child may have a social parent. And to compare legal responses to social parenthood, the book draws on the expertise of legal scholars in nine countries in North America and Europe. The legal contributors describe the existing laws governing social parents, critique their efficacy, and offer new insights. Though almost all of the countries analyzed have adapted to the new reality of family life by recognizing social parents in some manner, the nature and extent of the recognition varies widely. The volume concludes by discussing some of the issues flowing from the decision to recognize social parents, including whether social parents should have the same legal rights and responsibilities as other legal parents, whether all social parents must be treated identically, whether the law should limit a child to two parents, and much more. Families are changing, and the law must adapt accordingly. Social Parenthood in Comparative Perspective charts a way forward by offering solutions to help policymakers consider options for addressing social parenthood.

Divorce is never easy. But for kids who have parents in conflict with one another, or where one parent is so hostile that he or she is actively trying to undermine the kids' relationship with the other parent, divorce can be unbearable. This workbook is designed especially for kids, and includes helpful tips and exercises to help them deal with the negative impact of custody disputes, understand and identify their feelings, learn to cope with stress and other complex emotions, and feel secure. Written by two leading experts in child psychology, this easy-to-use workbook includes a number of helpful suggestions to guide children though a number of possible scenarios, such as what to do if one parent says mean and untrue things about the other parent; what to do if a parent asks them to keep secrets from another parent; or what to do if one parent attempts to replace the other parent with a new spouse. If you have or know a child that is dealing with a difficult divorce, this workbook will give them the tools needed to move past loyalty conflicts and the difficult emotions that can arise when parents don't get along.

This book carefully and compassionately tours the divorce process from the very first considerations one has when contemplating divorce through getting back on one's feet once the divorce is completed. Along the way, the reader is advised about ways of controlling anger and not demonising the divorcing partner; putting the concerns of children first; avoiding destructive, warring attitudes; equitably dealing with child custody matters; choosing a divorce forum (mediation or litigation); finding good, honourable legal representation; working with judges and accountants; and putting personal lives back together after the trauma of divorce. A thorough yet tidy handbook made up of many small sections that can be easily digested during a time a crisis, when one's mental attention may not be at its most acute, the book will guide both husbands and wives to a dissolution of marriage that is as peaceable and constructive as possible.

Fearful to Fabulous helps divorced women push through the challenges presented by their midlife divorce and help them find their inner "fabulosity!". Fiona Eckersley went through divorce at age forty-five with four kids in tow, so she knows first-hand what it's like to face all these very real fears. Now, she wants to share what she has learned from her own experiences and from those of the women she has coached. Fearful to Fabulous provides a clear pathway for divorced women to get to a place where they feel financially stable and finally in control of their life. In Fearful to Fabulous, women learn to: Take the first steps to getting a handle on their finances...even if they would rather avoid that subject Manage conflict with their ex so that they can focus on the future Recover their confidence and overcome the new challenges they face as a single woman Uncover their passions and use them to thrive in their new life Understand how to emerge with new hope

"How am I supposed to keep going when all I want to do is hide? How does separation work. What are the ins-and-outs and complexities of divorce? Am I going to get through this?" Ruth Clements divorce turned her world upside down, and now she guides the reader, with compassion and practical advice, on how to survive the maelstrom. Showing that there is always hope, and giving tips on how to deal with the practicalities of separation and divorce, Clements has written a guide that is warm, entertaining and practical. This book will show you that there is a way through and will be your companion on the journey.

Do I Need a Divorce to Be Happy? helps those who are ready to seriously reclaim their lives without breaking their marriage. In Do I Need a Divorce to Be Happy?, Teri Grayner guides those who have spent their lives focusing on other people's happiness to put themselves first without guilt. Her 10-Step REINVENTED Process covers everything one needs to learn to break free from financial codependency. Instead of spending years trying to balance marriage and one's own dreams, open Do I Need a Divorce to Be Happy? because within readers learn: How to tell if financial independence is right for them The truth about why they have been procrastinating in following through with their financial independence How to lead a life of meaningful purpose and still earn a good living Secrets to avoid wasting time in their quest to break free from codependency. How to guarantee they will have all the time they need to make the difference in their life without ever stressing about it again Codependency itself is an addictive behavior and Do I Need a Divorce to Be Happy? helps those who are ready to make the changes it will take to reclaim their lives.

Transformational and Wellness Expert Dawn Burnett has an impressive track record for helping people heal their pasts so they can transform from victim to victor. Like all of us, however, she has had a life filled with trials. The child of divorced parents and a survivor of abuse, she was in a toxic marriage that nearly took her life. These events, and the discovery that thought patterns and experiences are linked to health conditions which was revealed during her studies as an alternative medical practitioner, led her to a wake-up call. She left everything she knew, took her two kids, dog and belongings and drove seven states across country for a fresh start, a beautiful journey of accepting and loving self. Along the way, she charted a course to ultimate transformation and wellness on a path filled with valuable insight on personal relationships. She recognized that becoming trapped by the toxic emotions of our past can weigh down our spirit and sabotage any chance we have at happiness today or in the future. The result is Connect, a powerful book that provides effective ways to address key issues facing serious relationships. Filled with her personal triumphant story, and nine contributing authors, it reveals: the destructive patterns we create in relationships; the many ways we unintentionally sabotage our relationships and why we find ourselves settling for less than what we deserve. The solution is an empowering plan readers can implement themselves to heal their own hearts, fulfill their dreams, and find meaningful and lasting bonds with self and others. An opportunity for readers to finally connect to what they say they want-without compromising their authentic self; an opportunity to live their truth so they can thrive instead of cry.

A memoir of falling in love, the fallout of infidelity, and everything messy in between - and the inspiration behind the hit CBC podcast. "Beautifully and powerfully written, Alone: A Love Story left me heartbroken and inspired at the same time." - Terry Fallis "A lyrical tribute to the intoxicating, dramatic, destructive and ultimately empowering nature of love." - Anna Maria Tremonti "Michelle Parise is the best company. Her passion and humour leap off the page." - Camilla Gibb The church wedding, the new house, a beautiful baby ... Michelle was sold a dream and bought into it. But one day, nine years in, she wakes up in an empty bed, and The Husband isn't there. Then, he drops The Bomb - he was having an affair with a woman at work. Adrift and on the edge of forty - fuelled by grief, booze, and one-night stands - Michelle battles the monster she calls Loneliness, juggling being a part-time parent and part-time partier. Though dangerously close to rock bottom, Michelle takes a chance on love again with a dashing but complicated man - The Man with the White Shirt. Michelle, an expert in "emotional forensics," dives into the wreckage with candour and humour, uncovering a story about falling in and out of love, divorce, single parenthood, and the messy world of dating. What she finds, beneath it all, is life and the courage to face it alone. "Michelle Parise knows how to shape and deliver a story that will keep you coming back for more." - The Atlantic

When Rossandra White walks into her Laguna Beach home one day to find that her husband of twenty-five years has disappeared--leaving behind only a cryptic, hastily written note on the kitchen counter as an explanation--she knows he'll come back. It's not the first time this has happened, and she trusts that their marriage, though tumultuous, will endure. But she soon learns that this time is different--and as new information comes to light, she realizes that the cracks in their relationship may have deepened past the point of repair.
In the midst of this turmoil, White's physically and mentally disabled younger brother needs her help. She returns to South Africa, land of her birth, to answer his call--and when she comes back to California, she finds that her dog Sweetpea, who for years has served as a vital emotional link between herself and her husband, has begun to succumb to a fatal illness. Ultimately, it is this core-rattling confluence of crises that forces White to face her own demons and make a decision: stay in a marriage that's crumbling before her eyes, or leave her husband and forge a new life for herself.

Erica Manfred was fifty-five when her husband announced he was leaving for a younger woman. Luckily, she had a girlfriend who had been through a recent divorce--a friend who coached her through the frustrating, frightening process of taking care of "herself" again. Divorced or separated women need advice not only from experts such as lawyers and therapists, but also from a sage, savvy girlfriend who's been there, done that. This book is that friend. Drawing both on her own experience and interviews with professionals and other divorced women, Manfred covers it all--from the emotional devastation to the legal and financial hurdles, from dealing with the adult kids to getting back into the workforce . . . and back into dating.

Betrayal has many faces, including anger, abuse, deceit, and infidelity. If you've recently left a relationship where you felt betrayed by your partner, you may have difficulty moving on. In fact, it can seem impossible to view the world without the shadow of this past betrayal hovering over you, and as a result you may struggle to create meaning in your life and build new, loving relationships. In Living and Loving after Betrayal, clinical psychologist and anger management expert Steven Stosny offers you effective tools for healing based on his successful program, CompassionPower. This program was founded on the belief that individuals and societies are more powerful when compassionate than when angry or aggressive, and that true strength comes from relating compassionately to others and remaining true to your deeper values. In this book, you'll learn practical strategies for overcoming betrayal-induced trauma and chronic resentment using this compassionate approach. Most books on betrayal only focus on the big issues, such as infidelity, abuse, or sex addiction. This book explores all of these topics, but also explores less-talked-about betrayals, such as emotional manipulation, dishonesty and deceit, and financial betrayal. In addition, this book aims to help you regain a sense of trust in others so that you can eventually find another compassionate person to share your life with. Recovering from the betrayal of partner isn't easy, but there are ways that you can heal and learn to love again.