In this episode, we're diving into a side of divorce that’s rarely talked about—but deeply felt by those who live through it. This is not your typical “we grew apart” story. We're exploring the dark undercurrent of high-conflict divorces—when a legal separation turns into psychological warfare. Not all divorces are created equal. Some become battlegrounds, filled with ongoing legal fights, custody disputes, refusal to co-parent, false accusations, manipulations, and financial sabotage. Today, we are going to talk about what makes high-conflict divorce so uniquely damaging, and—more importantly—how to protect yourself, your children, and your mental health when caught in the storm.

If you're navigating this path—or know someone who is—this episode is for you.

• What is High-Conflict Divorce

- Relentless process that haunts you in court and at home

- “Recipe” for High-Conflict couple

• What Psychological warfare looks like

- Gaslighting

- Alienation of children

- False accusations

- Draining finances

• Real stories all sound the same - just different characters

- Summary of how high-conflict divorces typically play out

- It is a campaign to destroy the targeted party.

• Courts and high-conflict divorces

- Both parties are seen as being difficult

- Hard to prove abuse not seen by a naked eye

- Tips to prepare your case for the court

• Survival tools

- Limit communications to neutral or monitored channels like Talking Parents or Our FamilyWizard

- Respond, don’t react - pause before replying

- Reply only when it is warranted when it comes to custodial or peaceful matters, any other communication should be done through the attorneys

- Build a safe circle of support

- Engage with a therapist who specializes in this type of trauma

- Choose your battles

- Accept that parallel parenting is your best option.

High-Conflict divorce is not for the faint of heart BUT you are not powerless and you are not alone.

Books to consider:

1. Too Good To Leave Too Bad To Stay by Mira Kirshenbaum
2. The Gift Of Fear by Gavin De Becker
3. Your Pocket Therapist by Dr. Sherrie Campbell

“Choose your battles. Not every fight is worth having, especially when the other person is just fighting to win, not to solve.” - Ksenia Muench

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned family law attorney to explore the complexities of divorce. We discuss the legal process, common challenges, and misconceptions, and offer valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions and navigate the emotional and legal aspects with confidence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Legal Process Breakdown

- Divorce in a few simple steps

- Divorce timeline

- Mediation vs Litigation vs Private Judge - what’s better?

- Prenups and Postnups - yay or nay?

• Divorce misconceptions

- Everything is split 50/50 - true or false?

- You don’t need an attorney if it is amicable

- Women always “win” - origin and what it actually means

• Law is changing

- How abuse may affect the split of assets

• Story time

- My guest shares an inspiring story when working with a divorcing couple

• Guidance

- How to choose the right attorney

- Attorneys vs emotions of divorce

- How to connect with the guest

“Domestic violence doesn't happen in a vacuum, and someone who is an abuser has that in their background; they've come to learn or think that somehow that behavior is okay.” - Laurel Brauer, CFLS

Connect with Laurel Brauer, CFLS:

Website: https://www.brauerlawcorp.com/

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com

In this episode, we dissect the concept of Single Mom Syndrome—a term used to describe the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges single moms face. We unpack the origin of the phrase, explore both the positive and negative ways it’s perceived, and bring awareness to the unique struggles that single mothers navigate daily. Importantly, it’s not a disease, but rather a facet of divorced life and the toll it can take.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is Single Mom Syndrome?

- Origin and meaning

- Perception vs reality of being a single mom

• Misconceptions of the term

- Is it a medical symptom or a social judgment?

- She is a “bitter” single mom who is hyper independent and wants to do it on her own

- There is no “Single Dad Syndrome.”

• Lived experience

- Emotional and mental burden of being a single mom

- Parenting without a partner

- Financial stress, weight of making major life decisions on your own, guilt, pressure of trying to be the best mom to your kids, and subsequent burnout

• Let’s switch the narrative

- You are not sick - you are doing the job meant for 2 people

- It is not a stigma but a FLEX, superpower

- You are doing great!

• Tips

- Surround yourself with people who understand

- Learn to ask for help and outsource what you can

- Take moments for yourself

- It is OK to say NO

“It's not a single mom 'syndrome’... It’s a superpower. I think it's more like a flex. It's a main character energy.” - Ksenia Muench

Connect with Ksenia Muench:

Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveagaindivorcecoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuench/

Email: ksenia@thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com