Trial Separation Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
A trial separation can be a constructive step for couples seeking clarity about their relationship. However, without a clear plan, it can easily become a source of confusion and conflict. That’s why having a detailed checklist is so important. This guide will help you create a structure that ensures your trial separation is productive and […]
Divorce Coach Near Me: Why Illinois Experience Matters
By Katie Vandenberg, CDC Certified Divorce Coach® | Focused Forward Quick Answer: Why hire a local divorce coach? While a national coach offers general advice, a divorce coach near me in Central Illinois provides specific knowledge of local judges, attorney reputations, and regional asset division — like State Farm pensions or Caterpillar stock options. Local […]
I Want a Divorce but My Husband Doesn’t: What Now?
By Katie Vandenberg, CDC Certified Divorce Coach® Quick Answer: Can I Divorce If He Refuses? Yes. Illinois is a “No-Fault” divorce state, meaning you do not need your spouse’s permission to end the marriage. If you state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, he cannot veto your decision. If he refuses to sign papers or […]
How to Ask for a Divorce: A Step-by-Step Conversation Guide
By Katie Vandenberg, CDC Certified Divorce Coach® | Focused Forward Quick Answer: How to Ask for a Divorce: The most effective way to ask for a divorce is to frame the conversation as a notification of a decision, not a request for permission. Prioritize safety first: if there is a history of abuse, create a […]
How an Affair Affects Divorce in Illinois
Quick Answer: While the court rarely punishes cheating with “moral” judgments, how an affair affects divorce is very real in three areas: Dissipation of Assets (reimbursing money spent on the affair), Increased Legal Costs (due to discovery and emotional conflict), and Negotiation Leverage (using guilt to settle faster). Introduction: The “Moral Victory” Trap When you […]
Illinois Divorce Strategy Coach: Clarity and Resilience
By Katie Vandenberg, CDC Certified Divorce Coach® | Focused Forward Quick Answer: An effective Illinois divorce strategy requires more than just hiring counsel; it demands a tactical plan for your finances, emotions, and reputation. While attorneys handle the filings in Illinois courts, a Certified Divorce Coach helps you manage the “business” of divorce—preparing for mandatory […]
High-Net-Worth Divorce in Illinois: A Strategic Guide
I’d love to invite you on a journey. But this isn’t just any journey – it’s likely one of the most complex, emotionally charged, and financially significant transitions you’ll ever navigate. As someone who has walked this path both personally and professionally, I understand that when you’re facing an Illinois divorce, especially a high net […]
Why Hire a Certified Divorce Coach in Illinois?
Updated June 2025 Over five years ago, I had a revelation that changed my life—and the lives of more than 100 clients since. I learned a friend was going through an Illinois divorce. While she had secured a competent attorney, she was so emotionally drained she couldn’t understand the complex legal process unfolding before her. […]
Divorce Coaching on WBBM Chicago: Katie Vandenberg
CDC Certified Divorce Coach® Katie Vandenberg Shares Insight on Divorce Strategy, Emotional Regulation, and Forward-Focused Decision-Making Quick Answer: In this exclusive divorce coach interview on WBBM Newsradio Chicago, Katie Vandenberg discusses why modern divorce requires more than just legal counsel. The feature covers the strategic role of a divorce coach, how to navigate high-conflict personalities […]
Divorce During the Holidays: Build Emotional Resilience
Quick Answer The week between Christmas and New Year’s—often called “The Limbo Week”—is the most strategic time to build resilience during divorce. Instead of waiting for the January filing rush, use this quiet window to privately gather financial documents, vet your support team, and establish emotional boundaries. This proactive approach allows you to enter the […]