Articles by Katherine A. O'Rourke

I was surprised the first time a new client asked me, “Do you have experience dealing with narcissists?”  I did not expect the term to be in general usage by lay people.  For me, it evokes the complex psychiatric system of classification of mental illnesses which is used by highly…

The timing with which the divorce process unfolds varies widely.  In many cases, the process proceeds in an orderly and efficient fashion.  In others, the case is slowed down by factors beyond the parties’ control, by unrealistic expectations, or by a difficult marital dynamic.  In a few situations, however, a…

Myths are widely-held beliefs not based in reality.  When they become attached to highly-emotional subjects, such as divorce, they can become extremely powerful in shaping both desires and actions.  I offer my personal list of myths about divorce in the hope that puncturing these false beliefs will be helpful. The…

Every parent is instinctively programmed to protect their children.  But how does a parent married to an alcoholic best do that?  To stay married is to model a dysfunctional marriage for your children, and perhaps to be an enabler.  But to divorce him or her is to lessen your ability…

It is a matter of public policy that parents are responsible for the economic support of their children.  In the event of a divorce where there are minor children, the ability of each parent to contribute to the support of those children will be established at that time, and an…