On staff, we have an experienced Divorce Coach with a background in forensic mental health. MaryAnne Cavaca has a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work and a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. She can guide you in creating a parenting plan that works for your family. MaryAnne has extensive experience in the Probate and Family Court, having served as a Guardian ad Litem and also as a Parenting Coordinator.
As a valued member of the Law Office of John J. Hoffman, MaryAnne is available to meet with clients to consult on any and all issues related to the divorce, particularly as it relates to the children involved. MaryAnne has worked in this field for twenty years, and has many practical strategies for coaching families through the different stages of separation and divorce.
Just hearing the word divorce can evoke a wide variety of feelings. Some divorce cases can be resolved smoothly and without much contention, while other cases can be protracted and filled with hostility. In either case, a Divorce Coach can help you understand and navigate the process, thereby reducing stress and anxiety.
Many people are familiar with the concept of Life Coaching, but in the field of divorce it is a fairly new service. When I tell people that I am a Divorce Coach, I sometimes receive quizzical looks and one common misconception is that I encourage people to get divorced. That is hardly the case! For those who have never heard of this term, please allow me to educate you about this valuable professional service.
A Divorce Coach assists clients with decision-making, goal achievement, and life transitions. It is based on an educational model that provides an opportunity for clients to learn. The focus is on the present situation (the divorce) and learning how to approach and manage the challenges and decisions that divorce presents. Divorce is a life-altering change. Having a greater awareness of the various stages of change makes it easier for clients to remain calm and patient throughout the process. Some clients meet with the Divorce Coach just once, while others will consult with the coach as needed, throughout the divorce process. The client makes the decision about how often he/she meets with the Divorce Coach.
Let me also explain what coaching is not. Coaching is not clinical in nature like therapy or counseling. It is not based on a medical diagnosis and no diagnosis is made. There is not an assumption that a mental health problem exists and a coach does not delve into the past to look for root causes of problematic issues. A Divorce Coach does not provide legal advice or serve as a substitute for your attorney.
Attorneys are retained to represent the best interest of their clients and to advocate for them in court. Clients depend on attorneys to gather pertinent information and to assess the financial issues, including the division of assets and support, including child support and alimony, in order to try to settle the financial piece of the divorce. It can be very difficult for clients to keep a distinction between financial matters and emotional issues of their divorce.
Coaching offers structure, and clients are responsible for assuming a pro-active role. A coach may recommend material for clients to read, work on, or refer to. Clients can benefit by working with a coach to set realistic expectations for the process and receive education about the options available for divorce. Being informed and prepared helps clients make these important decisions with confidence. Guiding clients in clarifying their thoughts, needs, and concerns, in order to communicate more effectively, is another important function of the coach.
Purposeful and rational communication helps to ease tension and foster understanding between spouses, and between the parents and their children. Clearly and precisely conveying key facts and asking pertinent questions aids a client in choosing and communicating effectively with his or her attorney. It is important to proceed through the divorce process in manageable steps; thus, the Divorce Coach will help clients to prioritize the tasks that need to be completed during the divorce.
In order to achieve the goal of transitioning through divorce with confidence and direction, the Divorce Coach encourages clients to identify their support systems that can help see them through the difficult times. Sometimes loved ones are too close to a situation and may not be able to be objective, as it is difficult for them to see you hurting, unhappy, or anxious.
Clients need to acknowledge what their personal strengths and weaknesses are in order to overcome obstacles that they might encounter during the divorce process. A Divorce Coach provides the necessary support, motivation, and encouragement for clients to become empowered to plan for a positive future.
If you are interested in meeting with our Divorce Coach, please contact the Law Office of John J. Hoffman at 781-784-8800. The cost is $175.00 for a 75-minute meeting.
