Believe it or not, divorce has seasons. Why is January the big month for divorce? Is it because no one wants to ruin the December holidays? Or maybe the New Year’s Resolutions? Explore with Dawn and Carla the psychology of timing in divorce, whether there are indeed “better” times to file, and how the trends skew. Examining the patterns, they give food for thought and advice to those considering the when of divorce.

When one spouse requests an evaluation of the other, it’s common for judges to order a “custody evaluation,” a detailed assessment of both parents. The appointed evaluator interviews children, parents, teachers, and anyone appropriate to provide a clear picture of the parental situation with the “best interest of the child” as top priority. Evaluations are more prevalent now than ever. How can you best handle the scrutiny of an evaluation in addition to the obvious pressures of surviving your divorce? Dawn and Carla take the mystery out of the process while providing do’s and don’ts to put your best self forward.

The family courthouse is different than any other kind of law: in a word, it’s a gamble. Beyond the financial expense, it is impossible to assess the risk before you are past the point of no return. No matter the facts of your case, the given is precious little time in front of the judge (who, by the way, has seen it all) to explain your side. Dawn and Carla have seen it, too, and have specific suggestions on how to navigate your divorce outside the courthouse whenever possible. Marriage is a complex dynamic human endeavor—it takes more than twenty minutes per side to scratch the surface. Listen to the tips of the trade from the ladies who know family law the best, and keep the big picture in mind.