Divorce workshop offers valuable information

Divorce hits families much like an earthquake, with the couple at the epicenter and kids, family and friends absorbing the shock waves that generate outward.

Everything gets shaken. Everything. Finances, emotions, relationships, health. All of a sudden you're dealing with people you may not have dealt with otherwise: lawyers, financial planners, maybe a psychologist. And, chances are, you are filled with questions and confusion.

Welcome to Divorce 101, which will be from 10:15 to 4 p.m. Saturday in several second-floor rooms at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.

The annual workshop provides information and resources for anyone facing a divorce. Experts from several fields will lead sessions designed to clear up some of the confusion, reduce stress and provide financial and legal insight. Participants may attend one, some or all of the sessions.

Doors open at 10:15 a.m., with registration taking place until 11 a.m. The first breakout session goes from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch and a panel discussion on litigation, mediation and collaboration, including a question/answer session.

After a short break, Session 2 takes place from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., followed by a break and the last session of the workshop.

Sessions include Considering Divorce: Things you should know before making the final decision; Parenting During and After Divorce; Litigation, Mediation and Collaboration (panel discussion); Financial Guidance During Divorce for Parents; Divorce Law: What you don't know about divorce can hurt you; and Financial Guidance During Divorce.

Professionals in psychology, law and financial matters will lead the various workshops and panel discussions.

New to the program this year is a Stress Free Zone, where participants can drop by anytime during the day to talk with staff or just have quiet time to ponder what they've learned.

The Stress Free Zone will feature soft music, aromatherapy, information on self care and a relaxing atmosphere.

If this program sounds like something you could use, sign up quickly. Register at the Hoffman Estates Department of Health and Human Services or the Schaumburg Family Counseling Center.

The attendance fee is $20 per person. For details, call the Hoffman Estates location at (847) 882-4445, or the Schaumburg location at (847) 524-1505.

American Girl author visit: American Girl author Kathleen Ernst visits the Schaumburg Township District Library at 7 p.m. today in Rasmussen South Room on the second floor.

Ernst will speak about her experiences as an award-winning author of American Girl History Mysteries, including "Secrets in the Hills" (a Josefina mystery) and "Midnight in Lonesome Hollow" (a Kit mystery).

She has also written other young adult historical fiction, including "Retreat from Gettysburg" and "The Bravest Girl in Sharpsburg," as well as the adult non-fiction book "Too Afraid to Cry."

Some of Ernst's books will be available for purchase and autographing following the presentation.

Admission is free. To register, call (847) 923-3191 or e-mail aalessio@stdl.org.