Divorce is too often a harrowing, absolutely devastating experience that takes years to recover from. Even just hearing the word divorce strikes up negative feelings; family law attorney and “Divorce Doula” Maria Akopyan, founder of Dignified Divorce Coaching, hopes to change the way divorce is viewed and handled. Akopyan looks at the process holistically to help clients navigate the process without squandering time or money, and without irrevocable damage to emotional and mental health.
Akopyan has a diverse depth of knowledge and education in family law, the divorce process, psychology, life coaching, and training in marriage and family therapy. After spending time working with divorcing couples in court, seeing divorce wielded as a weapon, she knew there had to be a better way. Akopyan reflects on the first couple she saw experience what she refers to as a “beautiful divorce” and how that experience inspired her to take a different approach.
“They were so positive throughout the whole thing, so caring, like they were not getting divorced, in the end, they just shook hands and moved on. I want more people to have this experience, to make it less traumatic and see that there are ways to make the divorce process less damaging.” Akopyan is there to guide people to a more positive divorce outcome, she helps turn the pain into their “greatest awakening”.
Akopyan takes a completely unique and new approach than the rest of the divorce law industry, one that is not being done by anyone else. With her many areas of expertise, she can delve into more than just legal processes and paperwork, showing people how divorce can be a journey of personal growth, rather than a process fueled by devastation, anger, and extreme emotions.
As a certified life and divorce coach, Akopyan works primarily with women who are just starting the divorce process. She does not represent them in court, rather she guides them through the transition of divorce and helps them come out on the other side stronger, triumphant, and ready to live a life that is representative of who they truly are.
Divorce is both an ending of something, and the beginning of another, and Akopyan focuses on guiding clients to make empowered decisions, to become focused on what they want long term, helping shape a divorce that serves them positively.
Clients get a one-of-a-kind program that provides a blueprint through the divorce process, along with extensive support for co-parenting, self-care, growth, and post-divorce happiness. Akopyan currently offers individual coaching services as well as an online coaching program called “Divorcing With Dignity.”
This is a comprehensive program providing a step-by-step process to a smooth and peaceful divorce, complete with a self-study course, live weekly group coaching sessions and a support community.
Akopyan was born in Armenia and came with her family to the United States as an infant. Growing up in a family that worked hard to make it in a new country, she never squandered an opportunity. Akopyan has had a lifelong interest in psychology, as well as law. She went to UCLA for her undergraduate degree and then headed to law school in Costa Mesa, California.
Later she pursued a degree in marriage and family therapy at Alliant International University. After having a child in 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic forcing changes in her law practice, Akopyan decided to jump full time into her quest to help women positively navigate through a divorce and reinvent themselves while also actualizing her dream of starting her own business.
Learn more about Maria Akopyan and how she is taking the pain out of divorce, making it a journey of self-discovery and reinvention on the Dignified Divorce Coaching website. If you’re dealing with a divorce, Akopyan provides a free downloadable Divorce Checklist on what to do before, during and after divorce. You’ll also find other free resources on her website and can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook!
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