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Originally Posted On: https://www.familylawma.com/blog/flipping-the-script-from-divorce-attorney-to-marriage-advocate/
Flipping the Script: From Divorce Attorney to Marriage Advocate
Heather A. O’Connor of O’Connor Family Law in Massachusetts Raises the Bar
In a world where divorce often feels like the only solution to a troubled marriage, one attorney is bravely flipping the script. Meet Heather O’Connor, a domestic violence survivor and dedicated Massachusetts family law attorney, who is now channeling her energy into a new mission: saving marriages and empowering women who feel lost with where they are in life.
A Journey Born from Survival
Heather O’Connor’s journey to becoming a divorce attorney was born from her own harrowing divorce experience and the understanding she has relating to the complexities and fears that come with leaving a marriage. With three young children and nothing but a high school diploma as her credentials, she faced the difficult challenge of starting life over and having no idea if she could support herself and her children. Instead of falling into despair, Heather decided to transform her pain into purpose.
Her own divorce had ignited a flame within her – a desire not just to escape a toxic relationship, but also to help others navigate their own battles. Determined to make a difference, she set her sights on becoming an attorney, first graduating from Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Massachusetts, then the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and then from Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island, all while juggling the responsibilities of single parenthood. Her journey culminated in the establishment of O’Connor Family Law in 2016, a firm dedicated to helping families rebuild their lives after divorce.
A Shift in Focus: From Divorce Attorney to Marriage Coach
While Heather and her team at O’Connor Family Law has assisted over 1600 families through the divorce process, she saw another need many women seemed to have that resonated with her; a significant number of women would contact the firm because they felt stuck in their marriage and, although they did not want to file for divorce, wanted information about divorce in case that was their only option out of the unhappy situation they found themselves in. These weren’t women in toxic and unhealthy relationships; they were women who had lost a feeling of self and happiness that deserved to be refocused in a way to try to reenergize the marriage instead of end it. This realization and desire to help others led Heather to a bold new direction: launching a coaching program aimed at empowering women to rediscover who they are and their strengths and potential within their marriages.
Heather’s coaching program, Choose Your Next Chapter, has created the “Make It or Break It” program that will be launching before the end of the year, and is designed for those women who currently feel stuck and overwhelmed in their marriage, and unsure of their next steps. It is for women who are in a marriage that doesn’t classify as toxic or unhealthy, but just unhappy and feeling loveless – the types of marriages Heather believes deserves the chance to be saved. Drawing from her own personal and professional experiences, she aims to create a safe space where women can explore their feelings, gain clarity, and ultimately find their best path forward – whether that means rejuvenating their marriage or making the difficult decision to leave. Whatever the decision, Heather’s coaching program will be there to support and empower the woman to enable her to create a beautiful next chapter in her life.
Paying It Forward
Heather believes in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another through tough times. Her philosophy of “paying it forward” is at the heart of her new initiative. By sharing her story and offering guidance, she hopes to inspire other women to reclaim their voices and take control of their narratives.
“Life may not have gone exactly as planned,” Heather says, “but you are the only one who can choose a brighter future – whatever that means for you.” Her message is clear: you are not alone, and there is hope for healing and growth, even in the darkest of times. Heather explains, “There may be times in life where you go through something really tough, and you don’t understand what you did so wrong to justify the sadness you feel. Those are the times I believe you are getting yourself ready to eventually help someone else out of the same situation. Because when someone in your future feels all alone and like no one understands, you will be able to look at them and honestly say, ‘No, I get it. I’ve been there.’”
Taking the Next Step: Choose Your Next Chapter
If you or someone you know is feeling stuck in a marriage and unsure of what to do next, Heather’s coaching program, Choose Your Next Chapter, might be the support you need. It’s an opportunity to explore and clarify where you are and what you’re feeling and come up with an actionable plan to move your marriage and your life forward.
Heather O’Connor’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment. By shifting her focus from divorce to marriage advocacy, she is not only redefining her career but also paving the way for countless women to find their strength and reclaim their lives. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, reach out to Heather and her team to discover the possibilities that await you through their new coaching program.
“Together, we can create a future filled with hope, renewed purpose, and passion.” ~ Heather A. O’Connor of O’Connor Family Law
