DIVORCE COACHING
FAQs
The Answers You Need
WHAT HAPPENS IN A FREE CONSULTATION?
Our goal for the first 30-minute phone consultation is to have you walk away with a resource, or an actionable step, or a new piece of information that will advance you. We will discuss your current situation, then set some easy goals and begin to create a plan to move forward. As an experienced and trained divorce coach, I want others, no matter where they are in the journey of divorce, to feel strengthened and connected.
WHY DO I NEED A DIVORCE COACH?
When going through a life-changing event like divorce, having an experienced, knowledgable sounding board in place ensures that you will make the smartest decision for your family and future. As a trained divorce coach I will help you understand and cope with the wide range of emotions you are experiencing; while at the same time, help strategize the necessary steps to move through the divorce process and prepare you for life beyond divorce.
CAN YOU HELP ME FIND AN ATTORNEY OR FINANCIAL PLANNER?
Yes. It is crucial that you put together a good team of experts in order to be prepared to help you avoid making the classic costly and potentially devesating mistakes during the divorce process.
I will first work with you to assess what you need, then we will connect you to excellent vetted attorneys, mediators, financial planners, accountants and a myriad of other professionals and resources as needs arise. I am available to accompany you to meetings as well, ensuring that you walk away from the meeting with all questions answered and a follow up action plan.
As my client, you are entitled to free consultations with our professional partners in most cases.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY CHILDREN DURING THIS PROCESS?
In order to minimize the negative impact on your family, you first need to understand this: how you choose to go though this divorce directly correlates to how your children will experience it.
I will show you how to go though the divorce process with dignity, poise and integrity so that you can be the best role model possible for your children throughout the divorce and beyond into co-parenting.
By providing age appropriate ideas and resources, I will equip you with the language and tools you need to protect your children during this process.
ARE YOU ABLE TO GO WITH ME TO OTHER DIVORCE RELATED APPOINTMENTS?
Yes. I can accompany local clients to appointments such as meetings with attorneys, financial planners, and to court appearances.
The amount and nature of the information presented in these meetings is often overwhelming and confusing. Under stress, it's likely you will not be able to take it all in, nor think of good questions to ask in the moment. I can be there to take notes, ask questions on your behalf, and to help you interpret and internalize all the information. I can help you with the follow up as well, so that you stay on top of everything.
HOW MUCH DO YOUR SERVICES COST?
The initial 30 minute phone consultation is free. Subsequent sessions are charged by the hour, with a discount for retainers over 10 hours. Sessions typically last an hour or as long as you desire. I accept many forms of payment including, but not limited to, cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle and credit cards.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERAPY AND COACHING?
In times of stress, it is important to put a variety of supports in place that will help you cope with your emotions and give you tools for dealing with challenging situations. While they are different, coaching and therapy are complimentary processes.
Therapy is often a necessary component to caring for your mental and emotional health during a stressful time. By talking with a therapist, you will learn about your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. We advocate for, work with, and refer clients to outstanding therapists.
Coaching is a more action-oriented process designed to help you make changes in your life. A coach will help you get in touch with what you most fundamentally believe in and help you decide how to use your core values to determine what your goals are. Together we will design an action plan to help you move through the divorce and to launch your new life.
WHAT DOES COACHING DO THAT AN ATTORNEY DOES NOT?
Divorce Coaching is a cost saving approach to the basic elements of every divorce. With a time specific and goal oriented approach to help clients break down the hurdles that may be in the way of achieving their goals. Divorce Coaches keep you on task, to the point thus minimizing the cost and time that is associated with the traditional litigation approach.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM READY FOR COACHING?
If you are thinking about getting a divorce, you are ready for a session with Katie Pace! Coaching works best when you're ahead of the process of the divorce, when you can focus on your needs and goals prior to, during and then after the divorce is over. When you realize that you are ready to help yourself but not sure what to do next, you are ready for coaching.
HOW LONG WILL WE HAVE SESSIONS? HOW LONG WILL WE WORK TOGETHER?
Sessions typically take place once a week through the duration of the divorce process and the transition to your new life. Sessions may increase or decrease according to the complexity of your particular case and your personal needs. An average relationship is 6 months.
HOW CAN YOU HELP ME SAVE MONEY DURING THE DIVORCE PROCESS?
When faced with a divorce, most people have no idea on what to do, how to proceed, or how to retain the best legal representation.
I coach my clients on the following:
How to interview a Family Law Attorney
What information an Attorney will need to evaluate your situation
What back up information you will need
How the Family Court System works
How to behave in court
Attorneys are well trained in providing legal advice and representing their clients. A competent Attorney is an expert in navigating the complicated system and presenting legal arguments in court.
Attorneys are not trained to help you with the personal issues that interfere with people's functioning while going through the most difficult time in your life.
I will be by your side, keeping you focused on what is important in your life, your divorce and your future. Together, we will turn your story of divorce into the business of divorce so that you work with your attorney efficiently and effectively to keep your stress and legal costs down.
WHERE DO OUR SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
They can take place in person in Barrington, Chicago, or via phone or Skype.