Episode 37 of the Jennifer Hargrave Show features a brilliant lawyer, Elise Buie. Elise practices family law in Seattle, WA, is the founder of Elise Buie Family Law and has a heart for helping families transition through the divorce process with hope for a new future. This is a transition she knows well herself, as she shares her story of transition – from leaving New Orleans after Katrina, and embarking on a path that has led her to an amazing life. She also hosts a podcast, called Maximum Mom, where she provides hope and encouragement for Moms who are juggling it all as professionals, wives, and mothers.Â
In this episode, Elise discusses some of the *positive* aspects of divorce and the opportunities for personal growth and self-development that divorce can afford us.
Insights from Elise Buie on Resilience and Family Dynamics
In an insightful discussion, Elise Buie shares her experiences with personal challenges and professional growth. From dealing with Hurricane Katrina to navigating personal and familial changes, Elise provides a deep dive into how these experiences have shaped her life and career.
Today and The Joy in Life
Elise Buie: Like Jennifer said, I’m a family law attorney in Seattle and I am married to the most amazing human on the planet, Doug Russell. We have a blended family with six young adults—Katelyn, Shannon, Katie, Ian, Eric, and Ethan—and grand puppies along with our own two puppies. It’s a full house and full of fun.
The Impact of Hurricane Katrina
Elise Buie: Hurricane Katrina was a pivotal moment in my life. Before the hurricane struck, my best friend in New Orleans was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, which was a shocking and distressing development. Amidst dealing with her diagnosis and the hurricane, my then-husband and I had to evacuate to Georgia, eventually moving to Minnesota for five years. During this time, we also faced the reality of our impending divorce, which we postponed until we could stabilize our lives post-Katrina.
Coping with Multiple Challenges
Elise Buie: Managing the well-being of my four young children during this time was my priority. I focused on maintaining a positive outlook and finding joy in small things, like arranging horseback riding lessons for the kids in exchange for work at the barn. This experience, although filled with hardships, taught me and my children valuable lessons in resilience and finding happiness in dire circumstances.
Professional and Personal Growth
Elise Buie: Post-Katrina life involved significant changes, including a move to Seattle and remarrying. I used these experiences to fuel my growth both personally and professionally. By setting up my own family law practice, I aimed to create a supportive work environment for working mothers, reflecting the flexibility I needed during my transitions.
Insights on Divorce and Co-parenting
Elise Buie: My professional focus is on helping families navigate the complexities of divorce, especially high-conflict cases. I believe in minimizing the impact of divorce on children and advocate for a collaborative approach to family law. This involves understanding and addressing the unique challenges each family faces, and ensuring that children’s needs are prioritized in every situation.
Jennifer Hargrave: Your insights are incredibly valuable, Elise. It’s clear that your personal experiences have deeply influenced your professional approach and your commitment to family well-being.
Elise’s journey through personal adversity and professional development offers profound lessons on resilience, the power of a positive outlook, and the importance of supportive legal and familial structures during life’s most challenging times.
As well as exploring the collaborative divorce articles on our own site.
