3 Ways to Prepare for Divorce as a Physician Mom

When you’re starting out in the divorce process, 

it can feel like trying to intubate in the dark with no airway equipment—frustrating, overwhelming, and potentially disastrous. You don’t know what’s coming next, and every decision feels heavy. Meanwhile, your well-meaning friends and family are bombarding you with advice ranging from “lawyer up immediately” to “just stay for the kids,” leaving you even more confused.

As physicians, we’re used to having answers. We thrive on protocols and evidence-based decision-making.

But divorce? It doesn’t come with a step-by-step guide tailored to your life as a physician mom.

That’s where I come in. As a divorce coach (and fellow physician mom who’s been through it), I help you clear the mental fog and focus on three essential areas to get unstuck and moving forward.

1. Be Well.

Your first priority? Make sure you, your kids, and—yes—even your ex are “as well as possible.”

This doesn’t mean you have to suddenly start wishing your soon-to-be-ex happiness and success, but the reality is that the healthier everyone is (physically, emotionally, financially, and socially), the smoother the process will be.

For you, being well might mean prioritizing sleep, scheduling therapy, or finding ways to get a moment of peace like going for a walk outside or sitting in the car in the driveway for an extra 5 minutes before going in.

For your kids, it could be ensuring they feel supported and safe amid the changes. And for your ex, well… let’s just say that a co-parent who’s mentally stable and not hell-bent on destruction is ultimately in your best interest too.

• Take a moment to ask yourself: “What would being “as well as possible” look like for me and my family right now?”

2. Be Intentional.

Divorce is an emotionally charged whirlwind, and without clear intentions, you might find yourself reacting instead of making empowered choices.

Before you send that rage-fueled text or agree to something out of guilt, pause and ask: Why am I doing this? Does this align with my values and long-term goals?

Being intentional means making decisions based on your future, not just your feelings in the moment.

As a physician mom, your time is precious, and so is your peace. Choose your battles wisely. Not everything is worth the fight, but the things that truly matter—like your parenting plan, financial stability, and emotional well-being—deserve your full attention and strategy.

3. Be Prepared.

You wouldn’t perform a complex surgery without planning and having a trained team by your side, so why would you go through divorce alone and without a strategy?

You need a support system who can help you develop a solid plan—and not just your best friend who’s still seething over her own divorce and ready to torch your ex’s car. (Tempting, but not helpful.)

Surround yourself with professionals who get it.

For example, a good divorce lawyer, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (if you own property), and a divorce coach (hi, that’s me!) can make all the difference in ensuring you navigate this process without unnecessary stress, confusion, or financial mistakes. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, and you can be confident that the support you have will make you as prepared as possible for whatever comes up. 

Next Steps

If you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your next move, let's talk. I offer a Next Steps Divorce Coaching Call, where we create a clear, personalized plan for your situation—so you can move forward with confidence instead of chaos.

Schedule Your Next Steps Call Here >>>

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s get you the support you deserve.