Too many women enter divorce believing family court will be the place where fairness finally shows up. Instead, many find a system that is expensive, exhausting, slow and often blind to power imbalances playing out behind closed doors.

In this episode of Girl, Wake Up!, Amy sits down with Chicago divorce attorney and mediator Kimberly Cook for a candid conversation about why family court so often does not feel fair-and what women need to understand before they enter it.

Kimberly shares what shifted for her after the pandemic, when she began moving away from litigation and toward mediation.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why so many women walk away from family court feeling shocked and disillusioned
• What Kimberly saw in litigation that led to her own professional wakeup call
• How the pandemic changed the way she viewed divorce and dispute resolution
• What mediation can do well — and where it can fall short
• When mediation is not safe, balanced or appropriate
• How women can better prepare themselves before stepping into divorce or family court

Learn more about Kimberly A. Cook:

Schiller DuCanto Fleck: https://sdflaw.com/team/detail/kimberly-a-cook

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyjohnsoncook

Instagram: @growngirldivorce

Podcast: available on iTunes, Spotify, IHeartRadio, Audible

How to connect with Amy Polacko:

Book a free Divorce or Life Coaching Consultation with Amy Polacko here.

Follow Amy on Instagram: @freedomwarriortribe

Watch and Subscribe to Girl, Wake Up! On YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform: https://www.youtube.com/@amyfreedomwarrior/podcasts

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0:00 - 00:45 Podcast Intro: Girl Wake Up

00:45 - 02:43 Episode Overview: Family Court Realities | Introducing Kimberly Cook

2:44 - 6:36 The Disconnect Between TV and Reality | Expectations vs. Experience | The 5% Trial Myth

6:37 - 14:08 Litigation vs. Mediation

14:09 - 17:30 Navigating Power Imbalances | Financial Abuse and Mediation Concerns | Creating Balance with Attorney Assistance

17:31 - 21:41 Strategic Preparation for Divorce | Educating Yourself on Legal Basics | Uncovering Hidden Financial Knowledge | The Reality Show Timeline Strategy | Modern Trends in Divorce Settlements |

21:42 - 27:54 The High Cost of Legal Conflict High Conflict Case Options | The Reality of Legal Billing The Role of a Divorce Coach

27:55 - 37:37 Listener Advice: Truth, Traps, and Tactics | Truth or Trap: Flexibility in Court Letter: Feeling Scrutinized by the System | Reframing the Narrative for Judges | Battles vs. The Long Game Strategy

37:37 Conclusion and Resources