In episode one, we learned about Eric Wolff, our hypothetical divorce client and his divorce story. Ryan Kalamaya shares the story of Melanie Wolff, Eric’s wife and her perspective in their divorce story.
What is Divorce at Altitude?
Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.
To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here. If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at info@kalamaya.law.
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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
What is Divorce at Altitude?
Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado.
To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here. If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at info@kalamaya.law.
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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
Ryan Kalamaya (3s):
Hey everyone. I'm M Ryan Kalamaya
Amy Goscha (6s):
And Amy. Goscha
Ryan Kalamaya (8s):
Welcome to Divorce at Altitude. A podcast on Colorado family law
Amy Goscha (13s):
Divorce is not easy. It really sucks. Trust me. I know besides being an experienced divorce attorney, I'm also a divorce
Ryan Kalamaya (20s):
Clients. Whether You are someone considering divorce or a fellow family law attorney listening for weekly tips and insight into topics related to divorce, co parenting and separation in Colorado. Welcome back to another episode of Divorce at Altitude. I am Ryan Kalamaya in episode one of this podcast, Amy and I referenced Eric and Melanie Wolfe. And we told Eric Wolf's divorce story. And throughout this podcast, we have referenced that hypothetical divorce story and many listeners have commented about how much Eric Wolf's divorce story resonated with them, regardless of whether or not they were looking at a divorce or not.
Ryan Kalamaya (1m 6s):
But we have frequently been asked about Melanie and there are two sides to every story. So we developed Melanie Wolff story, and This episode is focused on telling her divorce story. So without further ado, I introduce Melanie Wolff. Melanie Wolfe opens the door to her three row SUV climbs inside and tosses her iPhone on the passenger seat. She checks on the kids in the rear view mirror to make sure they're buckled in and ready to go. And McDonald's bag is still sitting on the passenger seat. Her husband, Eric left it there. He used her car to take the kids to school for once the side of the bag makes her angry.
Ryan Kalamaya (1m 46s):
Again, Eric and Melanie recently had a fight because on the rare occasions, when Eric actually helped with the kids, he always bought fast foods and junky snacks. They talked about it many times and Eric knew how important healthy foods for the kids meant to her. No matter what he always did, what was easiest. Even after Melanie dropped the kids off, she doesn't feel any better about the situation instead, just to deal with the trash in the car and lingering smell of fried foods, her stomach churns, her face feels hot. She grips the steering wheel harder. The worst part she thinks to herself is he always assumed she will take care of things for him. She spends the weekends taking care of the kids and picking up the house. While he goes off on one of his weekend trips with his buddies, it happens so often.
Ryan Kalamaya (2m 30s):
Now, Melanie doesn't even bother to ask where or who is going still. She wonders. Why are these weekend trips with the boys more important than helping me take the kids to school, their games and classes. Melanie feels a twinge of guilt though, because she had a girlfriend weekend recently, too. She doesn't know how much it costs, but she deserved it without a doubt. Nonetheless, her weekend away had been the first in years and he hadn't really taken care of the kids by himself. Anyways, while she was gone, his parents of course had swept in to save the day. For years, Melanie did her best to be a great wife. Now, though, she focuses all her energy on the children because almost every conversation with Eric turns into an argument afterwards, the house feels heavy and depressing.
Ryan Kalamaya (3m 13s):
It's just easier to avoid him. Now. That's not very hard. Eric pours his energy into his job. She suspects. It's his way of dealing with the tension at home. Melanie hopes. He is actually working instead of sneaking around with someone else. Sometimes she wakes up when he comes home, but not very often. She is so tired from taking care of the kids and the house that she falls into bed every night, if she does wake up, nothing happens. He slides into bed, turns his back on her. It doesn't say a word. This episode is brought to you by our law firm. Kalamaya negotia Amy and I describe our law firm as an innovative and ambitious trial team that pushes the boundaries to discover a new frontier is and family law, personal injuries in criminal defense in Colorado.
Ryan Kalamaya (3m 59s):
We currently have offices in Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Edwards, Denver, and Boulder. If you want to find out more, visit our website, Kalamaya dot law. Now back to the show more often though, he falls asleep on the sofa, watching television or his iPad. She knows he drinks alone in front of the TV. Almost every night. There are empty bottles of tequila or beer cans stashed in the corner of the garage. He's tired, testy and hung over far too often. These days, his hair is turning gray and getting thinner. Every day. He looks ragged in the mornings while Melanie rushes to get the kids out the door on time, when she does need to talk to them, it's about who can handle what?
Ryan Kalamaya (4m 39s):
And when nothing more, the kids notice things aren't good too. One night Melanie's oldest asked, why don't you and dad like each other anymore? The last time she saw him, Eric told her he was going away again. The corner of his mouth turned up slightly as if to say, what are you going to do about it? Melanie shrugged and turned away there no point in saying anything today, she's on her way to marriage counseling session. She starts the car again. And Katy Perry's voice grabs her attention. It's roar. I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath. Start to rock the boat and make a mess. So I sat quietly. Agreed politely. I guess that I forgot. I had no choice. I let you push me past the breaking point. Tears. Well up in Melanie's eyes, she turns up the volume is Perry sings.
Ryan Kalamaya (5m 23s):
The chorus to roar. She sits at traffic light, belting it out. Melanie reaches the low slung office. Building of the counselor, pulls into a spot, wipes, her eyes and switches off the car. She doesn't want to go inside, but she's giving it another shot. Last session, Eric was 15 minutes late and then sat in this chair, staring out the window with his arms crossed. He barely spoke. She's led into the office and the counselor greets her. She keeps glancing at the wall clock. The tension is thick. 10 minutes later, Eric arrives without an apology. Melanie's face turns red again. When the counselor asks, what is creating the tension in the room? Melanie is emotions, erupt tears, cascade down her face.
Ryan Kalamaya (6m 3s):
As she tells the counselor that Eric is never home and indifferent to her and the kids. Melanie can see Eric rolling his eyes. As she pours her heart out. After she finishes with her rant, Eric announces that he hired a divorce lawyer earlier that day Melanie's first dog is about the kids and their well-being. The next thing that pops into her head is how did we get to this point? We used to get along so well. She never thought they would end up like this. Melanie realizes she's resentful too. How could he have the upper hand again? She decides no matter what she's going to make sure he takes care of the kids in her Divorce is the obvious next step. But there's a lump in her stomach. As she thinks about what's to come after the session, Melanie can't face going back to an empty house.
Ryan Kalamaya (6m 47s):
She drives to the supermarket to pick up a few things for dinner, but sits in the car. After she manages to find a parking spot, she pulls out her phone to check her messages. She checks Facebook and a picture comes up of the family from a long time ago. Everyone looks happy. Melanie starts crying. She's already trying to figure out what she will say to the kids. What about my parents and friends? How everyone react. There's a panicky feeling fluttering beneath the surface to Melanie realizes she doesn't know much about what Eric and her own she's overcome with anxiety and questions will the kids and her be able to stay in the house. Will we need to move? Will I get enough money? What about college for the kids? How on earth can I manage all of this?
Ryan Kalamaya (7m 27s):
When Eric handled all of the finances, is there someone else? Melanie is exhausted and scared but determined. She will get through this, but she realizes she needs to act. If she wants to secure a future for herself and the kids were airing. Melanie Wolfe story on Thanksgiving. One could certainly view this podcast. And in particular Melanie Wolff story, to be completely the opposite of the point of Thanksgiving. When the programs organized a community feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts for the native Americans, this holiday is a time where family members often come together and give thanks for what they have. It can also be one of the most challenging times for those who are confronting the reality that their marriage is ending.
Ryan Kalamaya (8m 12s):
However, that view that this podcast and Melanie Wolff story is opposite of Thanksgiving misses part of the history behind the holiday itself. I'll remind you that the pilgrims set sail from England for a reason, the men, women, and children on the Mayflower were looking for a new and better life. They were headed for the new world, but the trip was long, arduous and filled with ups and downs. When the pilgrims finally arrived at their destination, they were ill equipped to face the winter. They were helped by native Americans who befriended and help them with food. The Thanksgiving feast several years later was a time to celebrate rebirth and help in a difficult time. I can speak for everyone at Kalamaya Gosha in saying that we are grateful for the opportunity to help people like Melanie Wolff, going through a difficult time.
Ryan Kalamaya (9m 0s):
Many of our clients are looking for a new and better life. People like Melanie are often ill equipped for the difficult times ahead and need help. We are also thankful for the opportunity that you, our listeners have given to us in this podcast, by letting us discuss difficult issues or stories or episodes can be heavy. And sometimes depressing with that in mind. I think of Charles Dickens who wants row reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has plenty, not on your past misfortunes of which all men have. Some regardless of men, women, Eric are Melanie. We wish you the best of Thanksgivings. Thank you for listening to Divorce at Altitude until next time I am Ryan Kalamaya everyone.
Ryan Kalamaya (9m 45s):
This is Ryan again. Thank you for joining us on Divorce at Altitude. If you found our tips, insight or discussion, helpful, please tell a friend about this podcast for show notes, additional resources or links mentioned on today's episode. Visit Divorce at Altitude dot com. Follow us on apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen in. Many of our episodes are also posted on YouTube. You can also find me at Kalamaya dot law or 9 7 3 1 5 2 3 6 5 that's K a L a M a Y a.law.