What James Sexton has said about Divorce

Sexton argues that while the pain of divorce is unavoidable, the damage it causes is optional.

“the pain isn't optional. Like They're going to either be painful conversations to avoid divorce or there's going to be painful steps you have to take”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce (For You & The People You Love) (Sep 24, 2026) · Listen from 5:41

Sexton identifies five categories in which he believes divorce is necessary, beginning with abuse.

“I actually think there's five times, five specific categories where divorce is necessary. One, abuse”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce (For You & The People You Love) (Sep 24, 2026) · Listen from 9:03

Sexton advises announcing a divorce decision immediately and without reasons, because reasons invite debate.

“So say it in the first 10 seconds, no preamble, then stop talking. Because reasons invite rebuttal”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce (For You & The People You Love) (Sep 24, 2026) · Listen from 35:02

Sexton recounts that his own marriage ended after he asked his wife at the kitchen table whether she was happy.

“I said, are you happy? And she just looked at me and she went, do you really want to do this now?”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce (For You & The People You Love) (Sep 24, 2026) · Listen from 40:56

Sexton warns that fighting over small sums wastes money, giving the example of spending $10,000 to contest an $11,000 account.

“There are people in divorce who will spend $10,000 in legal fees arguing over an $11,000 bank account”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce (For You & The People You Love) (Sep 24, 2026) · Listen from 57:34

Sexton says the biggest mid-divorce mistake is seeking feelings like vindication from a legal system that only produces outcomes.

“trying to get a feeling out of a system that doesn't generate feelings. Like they're trying to get a feeling of vindication”

The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce (For You & The People You Love) (Sep 24, 2026) · Listen from 1:02:28