From the Book: Divorce Amicably
This is a chapter summary from Chapter 6 of  Divorce Amicably, a guide to navigating separation with dignity and cooperation.
Chapter 36 Author: Stephanie Robins
With over 20 years experience as a clinical social worker and family therapist, and as a graduate of University of Alabama specializing in Children, Adolescents, and Families, she is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Her areas of expertise are in Anxiety Disorders, ADHD Interventions, Infertility/Postpartum, Marital/Relationship, Play Therapy, Grief/Loss, Divorce Adjustment, & Parent Education.
In addition to being a prominent relationship and family therapist, Stephanie Robins, LCSW has presented at National conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of Parent Education, Anxiety Interventions with Children, Grief/Loss, Play Therapy, Divorce/Stepfamilies, and Anger/Stress Management.
Chapter 36's Method for Rational Decision-Making During Emotional Chaos
Divorce forces life-altering decisions at the worst possible time—when emotions are raw, judgment is clouded, and every choice feels urgent. In this critical chapter, licensed clinical social worker Stephanie Robins reveals how emotional decision-making during divorce creates consequences that haunt people for decades: unfair settlements accepted in fear, custody arrangements weaponized in anger, or financial security surrendered to guilt. She provides a practical framework for recognizing when emotions are driving decisions and techniques for stepping back before irreversible choices are made.
Robins demonstrates how each primary divorce emotion—anger, guilt, and fear—creates specific decision traps that seem logical in the moment but prove devastating over time. Through real-world examples, she shows how anger-driven custody battles harm children more than "losing" would have, how guilt-driven financial concessions leave people unable to retire, and how fear-driven quick settlements cost hundreds of thousands in overlooked assets. Most importantly, this chapter provides concrete strategies for creating space between feeling and deciding, ensuring your future isn't determined by temporary emotional states.
Four Techniques from Chapter 36 for Clearheaded Divorce Decisions
Who Needs Chapter 36's Emotional Management Framework
This chapter is absolutely essential for anyone making divorce decisions while feeling overwhelmed by anger, guilt, or fear—which describes virtually everyone in divorce. It's crucial reading for those pressured to make quick decisions "to get it over with," people whose emotions swing wildly making consistent decision-making impossible, and anyone who's already made emotion-driven choices they're beginning to regret.
Perfect for those who intellectually know what's fair but emotionally want revenge, people paralyzed by guilt about ending the marriage, and anyone whose fear of the unknown makes any settlement seem acceptable. Whether you're just starting divorce proceedings or deep in negotiations, Robins's framework provides the clarity needed to make decisions based on long-term wellbeing rather than short-term emotional relief.
Get your copy of "Divorce Amicably" today and learn how to make divorce decisions with your future self in mind—because the choices you make in emotional turmoil today become the reality you live with for decades.
Want to read the full Chapter?
Featuring insights from 40 experienced financial, legal, and mental health professionals across 80 essential topics,