Welcome to A Year and a Day. In this episode, board-certified family law attorney Jaime Davis is joined by her law partner, Melissa Essick, to discuss how parents can successfully navigate the holidays after separation and divorce, focusing on reducing stress and building new family traditions.

Melissa stresses the importance of adjusting expectations: the holidays won't feel "normal" right away, but they will eventually find a "new normalcy" that can be positive for the children. They discuss why peace over presents is the guiding principle, and how a parent's calmness sets the tone for the entire season.

Melissa introduces her key strategy for surviving the holidays: Plan, Prepare, Pivot. She shares practical advice on when to start coordinating holiday schedules (at least two months out), how to handle logistical roadblocks, and the critical need for flexibility. The attorneys also review best practices for communication, including the use of tools like Our Family Wizard to maintain a calm, fact-based tone, and offer guidance on sensitive topics like introducing a new partner and setting boundaries with extended family. Ultimately, they emphasize putting the children first to ensure a stress-free and joyful holiday season.

If you are in need of legal assistance in North Carolina, contact us at Gailor Hunt by visiting www.divorceistough.com.

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While the information presented is intended to provide you with general information to navigate divorce without destruction, this podcast is not legal advice. This information is specific to the law in North Carolina. If you have any questions before taking action, consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.

Welcome to A Year and a Day. In this episode, board-certified family law attorney Jaime Davis talks with Thad Hollis, an expert in conflict resolution, divorce coaching, and mediation, and the founder of Better Outcomes.

Thad introduces his powerful philosophy: "Conflict is inevitable. Combat is optional." He explains how someone in the middle of a painful divorce can begin to view conflict as a "gift"—an opportunity for positive change rather than a source of destruction. Thad shares his mediation and coaching techniques, emphasizing the need for clients to "find their voice" and shift their mindset from a win-lose battleground to constructive negotiation.

Jaime and Thad discuss common emotional roadblocks in divorce, such as the need "to be heard," feelings of unfairness, and the prevalence of power imbalances in relationships. They conclude by focusing on the ultimate goal: being kind and future-focused to ensure the best possible outcome for the children and the co-parenting relationship.

Need help from Thad? Contact him by visiting betteroutcomes.au.

If you are in need of legal assistance in North Carolina, contact us at Gailor Hunt by visiting www.divorceistough.com.

Like this show? Rate it here!

While the information presented is intended to provide you with general information to navigate divorce without destruction, this podcast is not legal advice. This information is specific to the law in North Carolina. If you have any questions before taking action, consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.

Welcome to A Year and a Day. In this episode, Jaime Davis, a board-certified family law attorney at Gailor Hunt, focuses on helping children during family transitions by talking with Todd Sarner, founder of Transformative Parenting and a licensed psychotherapist.

Todd's work is built on Attachment First Science, which centers on the child's need for security in their primary relationships. He explains how his personal experience as a child of divorce inspired his mission to help parents move from daily chaos to lasting calm.

Jaime and Todd discuss why a child's behavior—such as resistance and defiance—should always be viewed as symptoms of underlying anxiety or insecurity, especially when navigating a breakup or divorce. Todd reveals why children of divorce often struggle with separation anxiety and feel unable to connect to both parents simultaneously.

They explore practical strategies for parents to unite, including the concept of "bridging" to help children feel connected to the absent parent. Todd also shares why he recommends a "parent timeout" over a child timeout when emotions run high, and emphasizes that parental self-care is the most critical factor in promoting a child's well-being.

Need help from Todd? Contact him by visiting TransformativeParenting.com.

If you are in need of legal assistance in North Carolina, contact us at Gailor Hunt by visiting www.divorceistough.com.

Like this show? Rate it here!

While the information presented is intended to provide you with general information to navigate divorce without destruction, this podcast is not legal advice. This information is specific to the law in North Carolina. If you have any questions before taking action, consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.