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PAPERCITY PROMOTION Because How You End a Marriage Shapes How You Begin Again We remind clients that privacy is power. Pause before you post, update your passwords, and treat your online presence as part of your estate. Ever After Needs a Rewrite — Lee Budner D ivorce is not the end of your story — it's a pivotal chapter in it. How you navigate this transition w i l l i n f l u e n c e y o u r emotional well-being, financial stability, and your family's future. In today's world, from shared passwords to shared investments, thoughtful preparation is the foundation for a clear and confident new beginning. At Calabrese Budner LLP, we believe that an Emotionally Intelligent Divorce® begins long before you file. It begins with intention, insight, and strategy — empowering you to approach change not with fear, but with focus. The New Divorce Mindset Ending a marriage is one of life's most personal and profound transitions. It's emotionally charged, financially complex, and deeply human. Yet with the right preparation, clarity can replace chaos. When Happily "An Emotionally Intelligent Divorce starts with self-awareness," says Carla Calabrese, managing partner of Calabrese Budner. "It's about understanding your values and goals before the legal process begins — so you can make decisions with dignity and control." Understanding Your Financial Story The first step toward an empowered divorce is knowledge. Before you can divide assets or negotiate support, you must know what you own, what you owe, and how your household operates. Gather tax returns, bank statements, investment records, real- estate documents, and insurance policies. "This isn't just about building a case," says Lee Budner, partner at Calabrese Budner. "It's about building a knowledge base. When clients understand their financial story, we can create strategy — not just react to conflict." Protecting Your Digital Life In the modern era, digital footprints tell as much of the story as paper trails. From texts and social media posts to shared accounts, technology can either protect or expose you. "In today's world, digital footprints last longer than emotions," Budner says. "We remind clients that privacy is power. Pause before you post, update your passwords, and treat your online presence as part of your estate." Speaking to Your Children with Compassion and Consistency There's no script for telling children about divorce, but there are better ways to do it. The message should be simple, honest, and grounded in reassurance. The goal is to maintain as much stability as possible during the process for your kids. "Divorce ends a marriage — not a family," Calabrese says. "Your words today shape your children's sense of safety tomorrow. Emotional Intelligence isn't just philosophy — it's a responsibility." Choosing the Right Legal Path Divorce in Texas is not one size fits all. The process you choose will define your experience — and your peace of mind. • Collaborative Divorce: A private, team- based approach that replaces conflict with communication. • Mediation: A guided settlement led by a neutral facilitator. • Litigation: When transparency or cooperation break down, strategic advocacy becomes essential. 110