Melissa Schmitz
Senior Editor
Learn More About Melissa Schmitz
Melissa Schmitz is Senior Editor at Hello Divorce, and her greatest delight is to help make others’ lives easier – especially when they’re in the middle of a stressful life transition like divorce. After 15 years as a full-time school music teacher, she traded in her piano for a laptop and has been happily writing and editing content for the last decade. She earned her Bachelor of Psychology degree from Alma College and her teaching certificate from Michigan State University. She still plays and sings for fun at farmer’s markets, retirement homes, and the occasional bar with her local Michigan band.Melissa's Recent Articles
Can Alimony Be Changed after Divorce?
If your circumstances change, you may be able to alter your alimony (spousal support) payment, but exceptions exist. Find out what to do next.
5 Things to Consider When Dating after Divorce
Newly divorced? Going on a date soon? Think about these things before you go looking for romance after the end of your marriage.
Moving on after Divorce Late in Life
If you're over 50 and going through a divorce, you may feel very alone. But divorce later in life is common, and you can survive this.
Songs to Listen to When You're Going Through Divorce
Music can help heal a broken heart, empower you to move forward, and validate your feelings. Here’s a playlist of songs to help you through your divorce.
5 Ways to Make This Year Your Happiest Year Ever
Where has the year gone?! You’ve been through a lot this year, and that’s not even including the pandemic, politics, and all the craziness happening all ov
10 Gifts for Someone Going Through Divorce
Divorce isn’t always a sad occasion – and often it leads to a positive new chapter. Here are some gifts to kick off a friend’s post-divorce life.
Divorce Coach: Providing Support through a Divorce
A divorce coach can guide you through the legal, technical, and emotional aspects of a divorce. Find out how these professionals work and if you need one.
6 Sanity-Saving Tips for Celebrating the Holidays After Divorce
The holidays can be a stressful time. We collected these 6 tips to help you learn how to get over a divorce or breakup during the holidays.
What Is a Petition for Conciliation? Is It Available in My State?
A petition for conciliation may help you to avoid court in your divorce. Learn about the basics of a petition for conciliation.
How to Prepare a Legal Separation Agreement
A legal separation agreement is a fully enforceable contract between people who want to separate but not divorce. Find out how to create one.
Are Divorce Attorney Fees Tax Deductible in California?
Learn whether divorce attorney fees are tax deductible in California, including when they are and when they aren’t.
Military Divorce in California
A military divorce is possible in California, but the process is slightly different than a standard divorce. Find out how it works here.
Who Can Help Me Revise and Amend My Will?
If you need to revise your will, it helps to have some legal guidance. Learn about who can help you.
5 Steps to Find a Family Divorce Lawyer Near Me
The right lawyer can help to smooth your divorce process. Here are five steps we recommend to find a family divorce lawyer near you.
Who Can Help Me Revise and Amend My Will?
If you need to revise your will, it helps to have some legal guidance. Learn about who can help you.
5 Steps to Find a Family Divorce Lawyer Near Me
The right lawyer can help to smooth your divorce process. Here are five steps we recommend to find a family divorce lawyer near you.
9 Ways a Divorce Coach Can Help You Win Your Divorce
A divorce coach is a professional life coach with specialized knowledge and skills in all things divorce.
Why Does Hello Divorce Use Flat-Rate Fees?
Hello Divorce prides itself on its flat-rate fees. Find out why.
Should You Reconcile with Your Ex Spouse?
It’s hard to imagine life without your spouse, and it’s natural to wonder if you’re making the right decision. Should you cancel your divorce?
Court Expenses: Does Your State Follow the American Rule?
With the American Rule, you pay your own expenses related to a court case. Learn about the American Rule here and whether your state follows it.
Can’t Afford a Divorce? Use Hello Divorce's Payment Options
Why we’re relaunching payment plans at Hello Divorce instead of leaning into the buy now/pay later model.
Is There an Official Spousal Support Calculator?
How much spousal support (alimony) will you have to pay? How much might you receive? It’s a big question in divorce, and you want answers.
Is There an Official Child Support Calculator?
The uncertainty of child support can add to the angst of divorce. Online calculators are available for some states, but are they accurate?
How to Get a Divorce Filing Fee Waived
Can’t afford a divorce? If paying the filing fee for your divorce petition would impose a financial hardship, you may be able to file it for free.
3 Benefits of Living Together During Your Divorce
Where should you live now that you're getting divorced? Three reasons to stay under the same roof a little longer.
How to Move Out of Your Home before or after Divorce
Planning to move out due to divorce? Here is what to do before and after you leave your marital home and begin the next chapter post-divorce.
Child Support Calculators for Every State
In any state, get an idea of how much child support you might pay or have to receive after your divorce.
Holidays on a Divorced Budget: Cheap Gifts Your Kids will Love
Are you worried about your ability to afford holiday gifts for your kids after divorce? Check out these cheap gift ideas.
Mandatory Parenting Classes: What to Expect
We researched the ins and outs of some state-required parent education classes. Here’s what we found.
How Your State Determines Pet Custody in Divorce
If you're getting divorced, you may have pressing questions about who gets to keep the family dog, cat, or other pet.
Guide to Successful Stepparenting
Tips for step-parents who want to do it right.
Your Options If Your Spouse Wants a Divorce and You Do Not
Learn about your options if one spouse wants a divorce and the other does not. Can you refuse a divorce? Should you try to fix your marriage?
High-Conflict Divorce: How to Deal with and Recover from It
While all divorces involve conflict, high-conflict versions can be especially damaging. Find out what they are and how to handle them here.
ADHD and Marital Satisfaction
If you or your spouse has ADHD, your marriage might be more challenging. Here are tips to make it work and help you resolve conflicts.
Are You Married to Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder?
People with BPD often find themselves in unstable relationships. Are you married to someone with borderline personality disorder?
What Are Personality Disorders?
Are the mood swings and mental health issues that come with personality disorder a deal-breaker for your marriage? Read more here.
What Your Love Language Predicts about Marriage Success
Mismatched languages can cause communication breakdowns. Learn more about love languages and how they factor into your relationships.
Symptoms of Divorce Anxiety and Coping Strategies
Anxiety and divorce go hand in hand. Symptoms to watch for and what to do about them.
How Volunteer Work Can Help Heal Your Heart
Feeling lost after divorce? Consider lending a helping hand to someone else. It'll lift your spirits as well as theirs.
How to Cope with Panic Attacks during Divorce
The stress of divorce may cause you to have a panic attack. Read about panic attacks so you know what to do if it happens to you.
10 Ways to Heal Your Emotional Trauma with Exercise
Divorce trauma can be very real. Getting some physical activity may help your recovery. Here are some easy ways to add exercise to your day.
Trial Separation Dos and Don'ts
Thinking about a trial separation from your spouse? It may be just what you need. But before you separate, consider these tips.
What Is the Sunk-Cost Fallacy?
How the sunk-cost fallacy may be affecting your major life decisions, including whether to stay married or get divorced.
Is Separation Required before Divorce?
Some states require married couples to live “separate lives” for a predetermined period before granting a divorce. Find out how this might affect you.
Does Remarriage Affect Child Support in Colorado?
Learn whether remarriage is likely to affect child support obligations in Colorado and the factors that can affect it.
Parental Alienation in Colorado: What is It & How to Prove It
Parental alienation in Colorado involves targeted behaviors that change a child’s relationship with one parent. Find out how you can fight it in Colorado.
Annulment vs. Divorce in Colorado
Annulment and divorce end marriages in Colorado. Find out what makes them similar and different, and determine which is right for you.
DIY divorce in Colorado: Cost, Benefits, and Steps
Colorado allows for DIY divorce. Find out what paperwork you need, how to file it, how much it costs, and how long the process will take here.