New York Divorce Lawyer | Mental Health Blog

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Oct-2020

Tips for Managing Depression and Anxiety During Divorce

As a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator, I hear from spouses all the time about their depression and anxiety. The pain, turmoil, and chaos of divorce can be terrifying to some. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety are not unusual ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Oct-2020

Taking Your First Divorce Step!

When did you start thinking about divorce? Was it during the coronavirus pandemic? Was it because of finances, fighting, infidelity, control issues, social media postings, or did you simply fall out of love? Couples don’t just wake up one day ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Oct-2020

What is a Statement of Net Worth?

What is a Statement of Net Worth? When divorcing, a Statement of Net Worth is that annoying financial form your attorney/mediator sticks in front of you and says, “Fill it out!” You look at it, start sweating, and think, “Oh no! ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Oct-2020

Is Your Spouse Bipolar?

A divorcing couple met with me virtually for mediation. The husband had significant outstanding credit card bills. He also drank quite a bit. The wife wanted a divorce and they had one child. Whenever we had a meeting, the husband dominated the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Sep-2020

5 Warning Signs You Are In an Unhealthy Relationship!

As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator, I can often spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship. My advice in some cases is to seek therapy. In other cases, I strongly suggest they consider divorce. After speaking with a spouse ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Sep-2020

Are You Married to a Psychopath?

As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator, I meet all kinds of people in tumultuous marriages suffering from various forms of mental illness. Many spouses don’t realize mental health issues are destroying the fabric of their ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Sep-2020

Is Poor Mental Health Destroying Your Marriage?

We see all kinds of abusive relationships in the news but do you know many marriages end today because one party is dealing with mental health issues that result in abusive behaviors that destroy marriages? Today a person facing divorce Googles ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Sep-2020

Are You a Man in an Abusive Relationship?

As a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I have worked with a few men in the last six months who all found themselves in very emotionally abusive, and sometimes physically abusive, relationships with their wives. The abuse was ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 31-Aug-2020

5 Signs You Are Married to Someone with a Personality Disorder

Is your marriage surrounded by hostility, frustration, drama, and chaos? Are your efforts to improve the situation constantly ridiculed and shot down? As a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I can tell you there might be a lot ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Aug-2020

6 Steps to End a Toxic Marriage

Relationships that have unhealthy patterns like abuse, infidelity, addictions, and so on, are more common than you think. This is a serious problem, and its affects can be paralyzing. Lots of people on the outside often wonder why you stay in an ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 14-Aug-2020

BEWARE! It's Time to Divorce the Narcissist In Your Life!

Aren’t we all slightly narcissistic? The answer is, “Yes.” There are various healthy traits of narcissism in many of us. But then there is the actual diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. As a psychologically-trained ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 31-Jul-2020

3 Tips for Managing Divorce Anxiety

Yes, divorce anxiety is a real thing! Divorce conjures up all kinds of stress, and fear! As a psychologically-trained medical professional and divorce attorney, I can spot divorce anxiety right away. I often see the symptoms before my clients do. Why ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Jul-2020

5 Signs Your Spouse has a Personality Disorder!

As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator, I receive many calls from spouses who talk about their marriages that are filled with drama, hostility, verbal abuse, and high intensity. When I hear some of these descriptions, I often ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Jul-2020

I Want a Divorce. Should I Move Out?

The answer is usually, “No!” I tell clients never to leave their home. Making this move can work against you when divorcing if not properly strategized. I often hear from clients that once divorce is in the air it is extremely difficult ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Jul-2020

How to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce!

A player from a major league baseball team called my office and scheduled a phone consultation. His wife seemed to have bipolar disorder and/or depression. He had tried to cope with it for many years, especially as he was on the road a lot, but he ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Jul-2020

What to Do When Your Husband Wants a Divorce!

It is not unusual for a wife to all of a sudden hear from her husband that he wants a divorce. There can be a lot of factors influencing a partner to come to this decision; another woman, a midlife crisis; and sometimes financial difficulties. ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Jun-2020

Are You Wavering About Your Divorce?

It's a big decision. You've been thinking about it for a long time. Should I? Shouldn't I? Yes, I really should. But what will it mean? How do I tell my spouse? These are the questions I often hear from people who consult with me. Usually ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jun-2020

Child Custody Challenges During the Pandemic!

As a divorce attorney and mediator with over 35 years of experience, I’ve seen it all! Nothing surprises me. But divorce cases I am handling during COVID -19 have been real eye-openers. Fortunately, I have some great solutions!! A devoted dad, ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Jun-2020

Divorce Mediation - The Peaceful Alternative!

During these difficult times of medical confusion, loss of jobs, and socially painful unrest, as a divorce attorney and mediator, I am happy to offer spouses a peaceful approach to divorce. It gives me great pleasure to offer a productive alternative ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-May-2020

6 Mistakes to Avoid in a High Net Worth Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but divorces involving large amounts of money, property, and other assets are even more challenging. In addition to the types of issues present in typical divorces, such as spousal and child support, child custody, visitation ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-May-2020

Did You Know a Postnuptial Agreement can Save Your Marriage?

Getting married is very exciting! Spring is that time of year when brides are eagerly gearing up for their June weddings and all the glitz, glamour and drama that a wedding brings virtually in this new world in which we are living! But what about the ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-May-2020

3 Tips for Handling Divorce Anxiety!

Yes, divorce anxiety is a real thing. As a psychologically-trained medical professional, mediator and divorce attorney, I can spot divorce anxiety right away. I often hear and see the symptoms before my clients do. Why wouldn’t divorce be ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-May-2020

5 Tips to Help You Talk to Your Spouse about Divorce while in Quarantine

Kevin and Laurie have been married for 15 years. They have a 6 year old daughter with behavioral problems. Kevin is a financial planner, and Laurie works part-time as a computer programmer. For the past 2 years, Kevin has been concerned that his wife ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-May-2020

Men Get Abused Too!

When we think of spousal abuse we often hear the wife is being abused, but men get abused too! I have worked with a few men in the last six months who all found themselves in very emotionally abusive relationships with their wives. The abuse then ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-May-2020

How are You Handling Your Marital Issues During this Pandemic?

With social distancing our “new normal” and many states maintaining a shelter-in-place mandate, unhappy couples are stuck at home with no escape. With school cancelled, no babysitters to help, working at home, caring for children and ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-May-2020

Is Your Spouse Depressed?

As a New York divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator I hear from a lot of spouses who want a divorce because they have realized they have been living the horrors of being married to a narcissist or sociopath. But there are other ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-May-2020

Divorcing Safely During a Pandemic!

Being quarantined together is difficult even for those of us in good relationships. For couples going through divorce, or about to go through divorce and in a dysfunctional relationship, it’s a nightmare! Right now, due to the Corona virus ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Apr-2020

Are You a High Conflict Couple?

As a divorce attorney and mediator I can tell you divorce litigation is very rarely a positive process. Mediated and negotiated settlements are increasingly popular especially among divorcing couples in today’s COVID-19 climate. A high conflict ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Apr-2020

4 Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Divorcing During this Panic!

1.) NOT CONSIDERING MEDIATION: ESPECIALLY NOW ! If there is any chance you and your spouse can work together in an amicable way - consider mediation ! Even if you are angry with each other mediation can work. Mediation will save you time and ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Apr-2020

5 Ways to Stay Sane While Locked Up in an Unhappy Marriage During the Coronavirus Pandemic!

The coronavirus has changed our everyday lives beyond our understanding. We are all trying to be strong, go with the flow, and find creative ways to cope. Then there are those of us unhappily locked up with our spouse or significant other in an ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Apr-2020

Are You Married to a Narcissist?

As a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator I uniquely guide couples, especially those with behavioral problems, towards dignified divorces. Many of the couples I work with complain that narcissism is an unhealthy third party in their ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Mar-2020

Are You Living in a Miserable Marriage? It's Time to GET OUT!

You may have been living in an unhappy marriage and just not gotten the courage to do anything about it. It's easy to keep putting it off because you know it will be unpleasant. But now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, you are stuck at home 24/7 ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Mar-2020

Can Mediation Help Your Domestic Partnership?

As a divorce attorney and mediator for over 35 years I have helped thousands of couples in all kinds of relationships. You may be thinking, “What is a domestic partnership?” In New York, a domestic partnership is defined as a legal ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Mar-2020

Are You Thinking of Divorcing During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

I know that thinking about or getting a divorce, under the best of circumstances, is an overwhelming experience. Divorcing while dealing with the Coronavirus is the last thing you need. Unfortunately, anger, abuse, infidelity, neglect, and ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Feb-2020

4 Valentine's Day - Healthy Marriage Tips!

As you know Valentine’s Day is Friday! Yay!! Traditionally couples in the millions get engaged on this day. Being a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator in the love and divorce business for over thirty-five years, sadly, I ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Feb-2020

What to Do when your Spouse Wants a Divorce!

It is not unusual for a spouse to hear with no warning from the other that they want a divorce. There can be a lot of factors influencing a partner to come to this decision; another woman or man, a midlife crisis, psychological issues and sometimes ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Feb-2020

Tips to Avoid Divorce Disasters

When people decide to divorce it is usually in the whirlwind of heightened emotion. People are not always thinking rationally in this mindset. I often caution clients not to be reactive when thinking about divorcing. I suggest they stop, think and ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jan-2020

Is Your Spouse Spying on You?

Do you ever feel like you are being watched? Well, maybe you are. I have had clients share with me their suspicions, and no they weren’t paranoid, they were correct. Even though you trust your spouse, do you know if they trust you? I had a ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Jan-2020

10 Signs You are in a Verbally Abusive Relationship!

Many people who come to me for a consultation have no idea that they are in a verbally abusive relationship. They know that something is wrong, but they can't put their finger on it. As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney I can identify ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Dec-2019

Tips to Divorce-Proof your Relationship in the New Year!

New Years is right around the corner. Traditionally, many couples get engaged on New Year’s Eve. Being an attorney in the field of family law for more than thirty-five years, I expect that some of the New Year’s engagements will end in ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Dec-2019

5 Tips for Co-Parenting During the Holidays!

The greatest wish of many children of divorce during the holidays is that Mom and Dad will get back together. Even though the sad truth is that this probably is not going to happen, you as responsible parents can cooperate, and make the holidays as ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Dec-2019

4 Tips for Handling Divorce Anxiety During the Holidays!

Yes, divorce anxiety is a real thing. As a psychologically-trained medical professional and divorce attorney, I can spot divorce anxiety right away. I often see the symptoms before my clients do. Why wouldn’t divorce be stressful? There are so ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Nov-2019

Are You Living with a Controlling Spouse?

My new client seemed very anxious and started twirling her hair around her finger. She started by telling me that she was very concerned because her husband kept separate bank accounts and he was cutting down on the “spending” money he ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Nov-2019

Could your Spouse be Bipolar?

A divorcing couple came to see me for mediation. The husband had significant outstanding credit card bills. He also drank quite a bit. The wife wanted a divorce and they had one child. Whenever we had a meeting, the husband dominated the meeting, ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Nov-2019

5 Signs you are Married to a Psychopath!

As a divorce attorney I meet all kinds of people from all walks of life. I have found many clients don’t always realize the kind of person they are married to. For example, some clients are married to someone with a character disorder and they ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Oct-2019

5 Signs You are in an Unhealthy Relationship!

As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney I can often spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship even before my clients do. My advice in some cases is to seek therapy, in others I strongly suggest they consider divorce. If you see yourself ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Oct-2019

IS YOUR SPOUSE A NARCISSIST?

You would be very surprised to learn that psychological problems plague many divorcing couples today, and they don’t even know it. That is until now! When you look at the complex issues that infect families like verbal and physical abuse, ...

Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Sep-2019

Poor Mental Health Destroys Marriages!

We see all kinds of abusive relationships in the news but do you know many marriages end today because one party is dealing with mental health issues that result in abusive behaviors that destroy marriages? Today a person facing divorce Googles ...

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