
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
8 - The Amicable, Restorative Divorce with Erin Birt
Episode Title: The Amicable, Restorative Divorce with Erin Birt, Esq
Host: Melissa Wheeler Farag, family law mediator and recovering divorce litigator
Guest: Erin Birt, attorney-mediator of Birt Family Law from Chicago, Illinois
Introduction
- Melissa: Welcome back to the High Vibe Divorce Podcast. Here, we believe that divorce is not a failure but a new beginning and a vehicle for transformation.
- Gratitude: Thank you to everyone for supporting the podcast in its first season.
Guest Introduction
- Guest: Erin Birt, attorney-mediator and founder of Birt Family Law in Chicago, Illinois.
- Background: Erin has been practicing since 2003, is a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, and advocates for "Restorative Divorce," her proprietary approach to amicable divorce settlement.
Episode Highlights
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Erin’s Approach:
- Restorative Divorce focuses on keeping families intact despite divorce and supporting children's well-being.
- Erin emphasizes accountability, consequences, and action plans to address family issues outside the court system.
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Mental Health in Divorce:
- Importance of addressing clients' mental health and well-being.
- Erin’s practice includes initial screenings and continuous support for clients' mental health.
- Discussing the misconception that mental health treatment can negatively impact custody cases.
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Choosing the Right Divorce Process:
- The importance of mediation and other non-court processes for most family law issues.
- Litigation is necessary only for severe issues like abuse or fraud.
- Emphasizing that mediation allows for a more personalized and future-focused resolution.
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Impact of the Legal Process:
- The emotional and financial toll of prolonged litigation.
- Court processes often lead to frustration and lack of control over outcomes.
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Encouraging Wellness:
- Tips for maintaining mental health during the divorce process.
- Encouragement to use resources like therapy and support groups.
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Professional Differences:
- Contrast between litigators and mediators in terms of stress and approach.
- Benefits of choosing mediation for a more positive and solution-oriented process.
Affirmation of the Episode
- Affirmation from The Untethered Soul:
- "The only permanent solution to your problems is to go inside and let go of the part of you that seems to have so many problems with reality."
Closing Thoughts
- Erin’s Advice:
- Gather information about mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
- Reach out and learn about the methods to find the best fit for your situation.
- Melissa: Thank you for listening to High Vibe Divorce. Stay in touch, keep the vibes high, and the conflict low.
Contact Information
- Erin Birt:
- Website: https://www.birtlaw.com/
- Instagram: Erin Birt | Birt Family Law
- Melissa Wheeler Farag:
- Website: hivibemediation.com
- Instagram: High Vibe Mediation | Podcast
Call to Action
- Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
- Share: Don't hesitate to share this episode with a friend who might benefit from it.
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