Divorce Resources
At Open Space Mediation, it is important to us that our clients are informed and educated about their options and about the process of mediation. To that end, we’re continually adding to this list of resources. Check back often for new links and information.
OSM Website links:
Forms
FAQ
Events
A Safety Plan:
A free downloadable resource for people planning to safely leave an abusive relationship
Colorado Divorce Roadmap:
Easy to understand instructions on how to get divorced in Colorado
Colorado Divorce Flowchart
Managing High Conflict Dissolutions in Mediation:
An article by Liz published in the Colorado Lawyer
Better Communication:
A Guide to Improving Communication and Managing Conflict
Managing Your Emotions During a Divorces
State forms and information
Family Law Software
This calculator is provided by the Colorado Judicial Department as a public service, and is designed for individuals who do not have lawyers to calculate their own child support and spousal maintenance amounts for their individual case.
Access to Justice/Larimer County Court Resource Center
Our mission is to develop, coordinate and implement programs and other tools to expand access to justice in civil matters for those who encounter barriers in accessing the local civil justice system.
State of Colorado Divorce and Family Law Forms
State Professional Organizations
Legal Resources
Access to Justice/Larimer County Court Resource Center
ABA Free Legal Services
Avvo
Battered Women’s Justice Project
Bridge To Justice
Bringing Justice Home
Bringing Justice Home – Brochure
Family Law Software
Free Form
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Lawhelp.org
Legal Momentum
Legal Services Corporation
Military One Source
One Mom’s Battle
Porchlight
Pro-Bono Providers
Project Safeguard
Rocky Mountain Legal Center
Stateside Legal
Victim’s Voice
WomensLaw.org
Co-parenting
Talking Parents
Helping co-parents communicate effectively. Avoid child custody disputes and minimize tension by having an unalterable record of past conversations.
Our Family Wizard
The OurFamilyWizard website, iOS and Android mobile apps help parents to manage child custody schedules and co-parenting information.
Co-Parenting Tips: Making Joint Custody Work Splitsmart:
Organization informs, builds confidence and brings a sense of calm to the divorce process. Organization is your key to a low-cost divorce.
Support Groups
Local Domestic Violence Resources
Larimer County Victims Rights and Resources
Domestic Violence Resources
Crossroads
Crossroads offers free safehousing, advocacy, legal assistance, transitional housing, and education.
Bringing Justice Home
The Bringing Justice Home Project provides civil legal representation for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Alternatives to Violence
Providing shelter, advocacy, education and resources for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Advocacy and DV resources:
Pro/low bono legal services
Colorado Legal Services
Metro Volunteer Lawyers
Colorado Bar Association
Or check your county court’s “Court Resources Center” for a list of local pro bono attorneys
Here are several helpful resources for parents navigating divorce and facing
co-parenting challenges, especially in high-conflict or challenging situations:
Co-Parenting Classes and Support Groups
- Online Parenting Programs: Websites like OnlineParentingPrograms.com offer virtual classes on co-parenting that help with communication, conflict resolution, and establishing healthy co-parenting boundaries.
- Parents Without Partners: This organization offers support and resources for single parents, including discussion forums, parenting resources, and local chapters for peer support (Parents Without Partners.)
Divorce and Family Counseling Services
- BetterHelp: Online counseling platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace offer therapy specifically geared towards divorced parents and families coping with co-parenting challenges.
- The Family Mediation Council: If mediation is needed to address specific co-parenting issues, local family mediation services (often recommended by courts) can provide structured guidance.
Books and Guides on Co-Parenting
- “Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex” by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine: This book offers strategies for managing a co-parent who is uncooperative or high-conflict, focusing on protecting children’s well-being.
- “The Co-Parenting Handbook” by Karen Bonnell and Kristin Little: A comprehensive guide that addresses co-parenting communication, creating schedules, and managing emotions during transitions.
Online Communities and Support Forums
- Reddit Parenting and Divorce Support Communities: Subreddits like r/Parenting, r/Divorce, and r/Family offer peer support, advice, and shared experiences from parents in similar situations.
Parenting Apps and Tools
- Cozi Family Organizer: Cozi is an app that helps families manage schedules, chores, and reminders, making it easier to coordinate between households C9Cozi.)
- 2Houses: An app designed to help separated parents manage custody schedules, expenses, and communication. The app provides tools to simplify co-parenting logistics (2Houses.)
- Talking Parents: Helping co-parents communicate effectively. Avoid child custody disputes and minimize tension by having an unalterable record of past conversations.
OurFamilyWizard: This app provides co-parenting tools, including shared calendars, secure messaging, and expense tracking to help reduce misunderstandings and keep communication focused on parenting.
Resources for Managing Parental Conflict and Narcissistic Behavior
- Parallel Parenting Resources: For high-conflict co-parenting, a parallel parenting approach may be useful. Websites like ParallelParenting.com provide tips on how to implement this model.
- Narcissistic Abuse Support: The Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Program offers programs and support specifically designed to help parents dealing with a narcissistic ex-partner.
Parenting Plans and Legal Resources
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Provides a variety of resources on creating parenting plans and custody arrangements, including articles and templates that can help parents structure agreements with children’s best interests in mind (Child Welfare Information Gateway.)
Court-Specific Co-Parenting Resources
- Court Self-Help Centers: Many family courts offer resources and self-help materials for co-parenting and managing custody. These can include parenting plan templates and access to mandatory parenting classes in your state.
- High Conflict Institute: Provides training and tools for families dealing with high-conflict co-parenting, often through referrals from family courts (High Conflict Institute.)
These resources can help parents build effective co-parenting relationships, manage conflict constructively,
and protect their children’s emotional health throughout the divorce and co-parenting journey.
National High Conflict/Domestic Violence/Abuse Resources
Support Hotlines and Helplines
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- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) – Provides support and resources for those experiencing abuse, including emotional and psychological abuse.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) – Offers confidential support for abuse victims and resources for finding local help.
Online Support Groups and Communities
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- One Mom’s Battle (OMB): An organization providing support and resources for people divorcing narcissists, especially when children are involved. OMB offers forums, Facebook support groups, and in-person events.
- Psychopath Free Forum: An online community where individuals can discuss narcissistic abuse, share experiences, and find validation and resources for their recovery.
- Rising Beyond: Facilitated by trained therapists, members gain access to online courses, resources, community forums, and group and individual support to aid in their healing journey.
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/NarcissisticAbuse and r/Divorce provide supportive communities where users can share stories, ask questions, and seek advice.
- High Conflict Diversion Program: high conflict coparenting solutions
- High Conflict Institute: The OG thought leaders on high conflict divorce
Therapy and Counseling Services
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- BetterHelp: An online platform that connects people with licensed therapists, including those specializing in trauma, abuse recovery, and narcissistic abuse.
- Therapist Directory on Psychology Today: Offers a list of therapists specializing in narcissistic abuse, divorce, trauma recovery, and high-conflict relationships.
Legal Aid and Advocacy
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- American Bar Association (ABA) – Free Legal Answers: Provides legal information and assistance for those who may be dealing with complex divorces or custody cases.
- LawHelp.org: Helps low-income people find free legal aid programs and answers to legal questions, with resources specific to domestic and high-conflict situations.
Educational Materials and Books
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- “Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder” by Bill Eddy and Randi Kreger – Offers insight and practical advice for those divorcing someone with a personality disorder.
- “Will I Ever Be Free of You?” by Karyl McBride – A guide for recognizing narcissistic abuse and finding healing after divorce.
- “Why Does He Do That?” by Lundy Bancroft – Though primarily about understanding abusive behaviors, this book is helpful for anyone seeking to understand narcissistic abuse.
YouTube Channels and Podcasts
- Surviving Narcissism with Dr. Les Carter: This YouTube channel and podcast cover narcissistic abuse, healing, and strategies for managing high-conflict divorces.
- The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast: Hosted by divorce coach Kate Anthony, the podcast explores strategies for managing high-conflict divorces, especially when narcissistic abuse is involved.
Online Courses and Webinars
- High Conflict Institute: Offers courses on managing high-conflict personalities in family law settings, ideal for those going through a difficult divorce.
- Divorce in a Box: This package includes downloadable documents and resources for managing a divorce with minimal conflict. It’s especially helpful for those wanting to handle paperwork independently.
Financial and Child Support Resources
- Child Support Calculator and Tools (State-Specific): Many states provide online calculators and tools for estimating child support obligations, which can be essential during high-conflict divorces.
- National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE): Provides educational materials on budgeting, asset division, and managing finances post-divorce.
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Programs
- The Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Program (NARP) by Melanie Tonia Evans – A structured online program designed to help survivors of narcissistic abuse recover from emotional trauma.
- Dr. Ramani Durvasula’s Online Courses: Dr. Ramani offers various courses and videos on healing from narcissistic relationships and managing interactions with narcissists post-separation.
Parenting Resources for High-Conflict Divorce
- OurFamilyWizard: A co-parenting app designed to facilitate communication and scheduling between parents, reducing the need for direct contact and minimizing conflict.
- Parallel Parenting Plans: Resources for developing a parallel parenting plan are available through many family law websites and mediation services, ideal for managing co-parenting with a high-conflict or abusive ex.
Local Divorce Professional Recommendations
At Open Space Mediation, we recognize the importance of having a team of professionals in your court. Below is a list of other divorce professionals that we like to work with and recommend.
Certified divorce financial analysts (CDFAs):
Divorce/family law attorneys:
Realtors and Mortgage Lenders:
Kristin Johnson: Mortgage Lender
Katie Embry: Realtor
Robert Crow: Realtor
Suzannah Mattson: Mortgage Lender
Mark Barnett: Mortgage Lender
Michelle Merritt: Mortgage Lender
Family/divorce therapists:
BLOG ARTICLES
How to Prepare for Divorce (and Divorce Month!): Emotional, Financial, and Legal Readiness
How to Create a Parenting Plan That Works for Everyone
When going through a divorce with children, creating a well-thought-out parenting plan is essential for everyone’s well-being. A...
Should You Wait Until After the Holidays to File for Divorce?
The holiday season is a time filled with family gatherings, celebrations, and often, financial stress. Deciding whether to file for divorce during this time can be challenging. While some prefer to wait until after the holidays to avoid additional emotional strain, there are potential financial benefits to delaying the divorce. Here, we’ll explore the advantages and considerations when it comes to waiting.
Some Good Reads
How to Prepare for Divorce (and Divorce Month!): Emotional, Financial, and Legal Readiness
How to Create a Parenting Plan That Works for Everyone
When going through a divorce with children, creating a well-thought-out parenting plan is essential for everyone’s well-being. A...
Should You Wait Until After the Holidays to File for Divorce?
The holiday season is a time filled with family gatherings, celebrations, and often, financial stress. Deciding whether to file for divorce during this time can be challenging. While some prefer to wait until after the holidays to avoid additional emotional strain, there are potential financial benefits to delaying the divorce. Here, we’ll explore the advantages and considerations when it comes to waiting.
Navigating the Holidays During a Divorce: Your Survival Guide
Divorce is never easy, but the holiday season can amplify the emotional toll. Whether it’s your first holiday season after a...
Colorado Divorce Mediator
Hello! I’m Liz
I'm a mom, a divorce mediator, and coach, with a twist – I call myself a transformational conflict coach. Why? Well, after my own rough divorce, I realized things could be different.
I went through the wringer, spending way too much money and feeling way too anxious.
But it hit me: it doesn't have to be that hard.
So, I made it my mission to help folks navigate conflict without all the drama. I've worked with hundreds of people, helping them sidestep the courtroom drama and save a ton of cash. My success rate? Around 70%. That's a lot of folks walking away feeling lighter and happier – and that's what it's all about.