(And What to Do Instead)
What does a good divorce actually look like—and is it even possible?
In this episode, Karen McNenny explores the idea with attorney Raiford Dalton Palmer, offering a fresh perspective on how divorce can be handled differently. Without giving everything away, this conversation challenges some of the most common assumptions about separation, conflict, and what it really means to move forward.
Rethinking Divorce
Most people don’t associate the word “good” with divorce.
But what if a good divorce isn’t about avoiding difficulty—but about avoiding unnecessary damage?
This episode introduces a different lens—one that moves away from the typical win/lose mindset and toward something more sustainable for families.
An Attorney’s Personal Perspective
There’s a unique layer to this conversation that sets it apart.
Raiford isn’t just speaking as an attorney—he’s speaking from personal experience. His own story quietly shapes how he views divorce today, and it may challenge what you expect from someone in his position.
Karen guides the conversation in a way that reveals just enough to make you rethink how divorce can unfold—without giving away the full depth of the story.
Why the System Doesn’t Always Support a Good Divorce
At one point, the conversation touches on how divorce is traditionally handled—and why that approach may not always lead to a good divorce.
There are alternatives discussed that many people don’t fully understand or even know exist. If you’ve only ever thought about divorce in terms of courtrooms and legal battles, this part of the episode opens a different door.
The Insight That Might Change Your Approach
There’s a simple but powerful idea introduced in this episode that reframes how people approach divorce decisions.
It’s not complicated—but it’s often overlooked.
And once you hear it, it’s hard to unsee.
The Hidden Side of Divorce Decisions
When people think about divorce, they often focus on the obvious factors.
But this episode hints at a deeper layer—one that plays a major role in whether a divorce becomes more difficult than it needs to be.
It’s not just about legal strategy. It’s about how decisions are made along the way.
Small Moves That Can Make a Big Difference
Some of the most valuable insights in this episode are also the simplest.
There’s one specific behavior discussed that many people overlook—but avoiding it could make a meaningful difference during a divorce.
It’s practical, immediate, and easy to implement.
Why This Episode Matters
A good divorce doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens when people have the right perspective, the right support, and the willingness to approach things differently.
This episode doesn’t just talk about divorce—it invites you to reconsider how it can be done.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
This blog only scratches the surface.
To hear the full conversation—and the insights that could completely change how you think about divorce:
👉 Listen to Episode 98 now.
Because a good divorce isn’t just about how it ends—it’s about how you go through it.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
We’ve only scratched the surface here.
To hear the full conversation, including the stories, frameworks, and insights that could change how you approach divorce:
👉 Listen to Episode 98 now.
Because the way you go through divorce matters just as much as the outcome.
Resources mentioned:
- 📘 I Just Want to Know How — Raiford’s upcoming book, expected Fall 2026
- 🎙️ I Just Want This Done Divorce Podcast — live Thursdays, drops every Friday on all major platforms and YouTube
- 💬 Illinois Divorce Support — free, anonymous private Facebook group (open to all, not just Illinois residents)
- 📲 Follow Raiford: @RaifordPalmer on TikTok, Instagram, and X
- ⚖️ STG Divorce Law, P.C. — https://www.stglawfirm.com/attorneys/raiford-d-palmer/ | Serving the greater Chicagoland area
Karen McNenny is the author of The Good Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family. To work with Karen directly or join her online community, visit TheGoodDivorceCoach.com and the Good Divorce Academy.
And remember: “Everything will be okay in the end — and if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
