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Top Six Fears that Stop People from Divorce

1/25/2025

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​Divorce is one of the most challenging transitions a person can face, and it often brings on new fears and uncertainties. From protecting your reputation and children to safeguarding your finances and navigating legal complexities, the process can feel overwhelming. Many people also wrestle with emotional exhaustion and the daunting question of how to rebuild their lives after divorce.

These concerns are valid, but you don’t have to face them alone. As a divorce coach, I’ve helped countless clients overcome these challenges with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Let’s explore six common worries people have when thinking about divorce and how my coaching solutions can make all the difference!

Divorce Problem 1: Fear of Damaging Their Image

worried about damaging reputation with divorce

Divorce Pain Point
: Men and women, especially in Small Town America, may worry about how divorce will affect their reputation among friends, family, colleagues or in their community. They may feel pressure to maintain a façade of perfection while dealing with overwhelming personal turmoil.
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​Divorce Coaching Solution: As a divorce coach, I provide a confidential and non-judgmental space to plan how to navigate divorce while preserving their public and professional image. I guide clients on crafting narratives for sensitive conversations, handling social dynamics and setting boundaries that protect their privacy.
Client Story: Lisa was a successful businesswoman in Peoria, Illinois. When her marriage began to unravel, she feared the gossip and scrutiny that would follow. Together, we crafted a “public narrative” for her divorce, focusing on shared parenting and mutual respect. I coached her on handling difficult conversations with colleagues and friends while maintaining boundaries. Lisa told me later that she felt empowered to share only what was necessary, avoiding unnecessary drama and protecting her professional reputation.
If you are wondering if you should get a divorce coach, let this be your sign: YES! Katie was incredible throughout the entire process. I was so lucky to come across her name in a google search, as I stumbled to find my way through my divorce. With Katie’s help, I went from feeling overwhelmed to feeling focused and in control. She has vast knowledge, caring attitude, and practical approach. You don’t have to go through it alone or take advice from friends and family that may not understand all the intricacies of the process. I highly recommend her services! There’s a saying, “Luck favors the prepared”. Katie was my lucky charm, she prepared me for the biggest decisions of my life. Thank you! ~Jessica D, Dunlap, Illinois

Divorce Problem 2: Concerns About Childrens' Well-Being

how to protect children during divorce

​Divorce Pain Point
: Parents often feel intense guilt and anxiety about how divorce will affect their children emotionally, mentally, and socially. They may struggle with co-parenting plans, communication with their soon-to-be ex, or shielding their kids from conflict.

Divorce Coaching Solution: I equip parents with tools to manage high-conflict situations, create child-focused parenting plans, and communicate effectively. By offering emotional support and practical advice, I help parents prioritize their children’s well-being without sacrificing their own mental health.
Client Story: Mark was a father of two young boys from Mackinaw, Illinois and was devastated by the thought of how the divorce might affect them. He didn’t want his conflict with his ex to spill over into their lives. I worked with Mark to develop a co-parenting plan that prioritized the boys’ routines and emotional needs. We practiced calm communication strategies for interactions with his ex. Mark later shared that the tools he learned allowed his boys to adjust well, feeling secure and loved despite the family changes.
I am so grateful I choose to work with Katie. From the start, Katie was kind and professional, empathetic and helpful. With her knowledge and guidance, it gave me the confidence to work with my ex as we navigated the ending of our marriage. It was extremely important to us both that the process remain amicable.
With Katie guiding me, we were able to achieve a quick, minimum cost divorce. Her understanding and non-judgment bolstered me in ways I cannot begin to explain in a small review.
It was helpful for me to be able to reach out to her with any questions or concerns. Her referrals, advice and thought provoking questions helped to streamline the process. Working with Katie to learn what my options were, what was typical/normal and how to walk through the divorce was the best decision I made for myself.
Not only was it helpful for me, but my ex was able to have peace of mind knowing that I was working with Katie on behalf of us. Our 14 year marriage and 17 year relationship did not have to die in divorce courts. We were able to walk through the ending process with much care, respect, love and dignity. Our friendship remains intact and we are both stronger because of it.
Katie’s commitment to this work has been pivotal in my life story, and for that I am eternally grateful. ~Jaci M, Dunlap, Illinois

Divorce Problem 3: Fear of Financial Instability

financially ruined by divorce

Divorce Pain Point
: Divorce can feel like financial chaos, with fears of losing assets, managing debt, or not understanding legal processes. Many feel overwhelmed by the financial decisions they must make, which can lead to costly mistakes.
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Divorce Coaching Solution: My coaching offers guidance on understanding the financial affidavit, organizing documentation and making sound decisions about settlements and support agreements. By working with me, clients gain clarity and confidence to protect their financial future.
Story: Samantha, from Morton, Illinois was terrified of losing her financial independence after her divorce. She didn’t fully understand the financial implications of the settlement and felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of paperwork. I helped Samantha organize her financial documents, identify key priorities and prepare thoughtful questions for her attorney. I also connected her with a trusted financial planner in Morton to ensure her long-term stability. By the time the divorce was finalized, Samantha felt in control of her finances and confident about her future.

Divorce Problem 4: Overwhelmed by Legal Complexity

legal help in peoria, illinois for divorce
Divorce Pain Point: Divorce often feels like a maze of legal-ese, court procedures and negotiations, leaving people confused and stressed. They may feel unsure about how to select the right attorney or understand their legal rights. They don't always know if they can trust their attorney or if their attorney really is working in their best interest.
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Divorce Coaching Solution: I provide personalized guidance to help clients choose attorneys who align with their goals and budget. Additionally, I break down legal concepts into manageable steps, empowering clients to approach the process with clarity and preparedness. I clarify legal documents and help clients ask succinct questions to their attorneys.
Client Story: Tom, from Dunlap, Illinois, had never been involved in legal matters before and was completely overwhelmed by the divorce process. He didn’t know how to select the right attorney or even where to start. I helped Tom define his goals, assess Family Law attorneys in Central Illinois and prepare questions to ask during consultations. We also broke down the legal steps into manageable tasks. Tom later told me that having someone guide him through the process gave him the clarity and confidence he needed to make informed decisions and feel empowered through the process.

Divorce Problem 5: Emotional Exhaustion and Isolation

worried about being alone forever after divorce

​Divorce Pain Point
: Many people feel emotionally depleted and isolated during the divorce process. They may hesitate to reach out to friends or family out of embarrassment or fear of judgment. The stigma of going to therapy leaves a lot of people feeling stuck.

Divorce Coaching Solution: My coaching creates a safe, supportive environment for clients to express their emotions and process their experiences. Through tools, resources and emotional encouragement, I help them regain strength and resilience to move forward. My professional connections in Central Illinois and beyond help my clients find therapists and counselors if they are searching for one.
Client Story: Emily, from East Peoria, Illinois felt utterly alone during her divorce. She didn’t want to burden her friends and family, and the stress left her feeling emotionally drained. In our coaching sessions, I provided a safe space for Emily to share her fears and frustrations. We worked together to help her find a local Peoria Therapist she loved to help her manage stress. We set small daily goals to restore her sense of normalcy. Emily found solace in having a judgment-free zone and the practical tools she needed to regain her energy and optimism.

Divorce Problem 6: Uncertainty About the Future

divorce support in peoria, Illinois

​Divorce Pain Point
: Divorce can flip our lives upside down, leaving people unsure of their next steps or how to rebuild their lives. They may struggle to envision a positive future and feel like this darkness will last forever.

Divorce Coaching Solution: I help clients focus on long-term goals and create actionable plans to move forward. With my guidance, they gain a sense of control, self-confidence, and a renewed vision for life after divorce.
Client Story: After 20 years of marriage, Ben from Chillicothe, Illinois felt lost about what his life would look like post-divorce. He had no idea where to start or how to rebuild. I worked with Ben to map out his personal and professional goals, focusing on what he wanted for his next chapter. We created an action plan, from taking a course to improve his skills in carpentry, setting small personal health milestones and he joined a local hiking group. A year later, Ben reached out to tell me he felt like himself again—confident and excited about his future.

Are you ready to take control of your divorce story?

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I offer no cost consultations where we'll talk about where you are in the process, what got you to this point of calling me and how you envision your future. We decide together if it would be a good fit to work together to navigate your divorce.  My primary focus is clients who need a divorce in Central Illinois but I can work with clients anywhere in the United States!
Simply put…. Katie is amazing! I chose to work with Katie 8 months into my divorce journey when the process had come to a complete standstill. I was not getting anywhere with my attorney . She gave me intelligent, thoughtful advice and the tools I needed to expedite the divorce. It took less than 6 weeks of working with Katie for my divorce to be finalized. I couldn’t have asked for better support! Not only did Katie give me the right guidance, she was very caring and checked in and followed up with me ALL along the journey. ~Kendra B, Morton, Illinois
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    About Katie VAndenBerg

    Katie makes her life as a Divorce Coach in Central Illinois surrounded by river valleys and prairie.  Her days are spent helping her divorce clients, working with her tenants, tending to her gardens, hiking as often as possible, spending time on her pottery wheel and loving her family.  

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  • Work With Katie
  • Divorce Coaching
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  • Contact Katie: Divorce Coach
  • Media
  • Trail Guide To Divorcing with Dignity
  • Testimonials