When is it Time for a Divorce and What Should People Consider if Trying to Reconcile with Lori Kret and Jeff Cole | Episode 123

How to Know When It’s Time for Divorce or Time to Save Your MarriageIn this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Colorado family law attorney Ryan Kalamaya explores one of the most common and emotionally difficult questions people ask: How do you know when it’s time to get a divorce, and when is it time to try to save your marriage? Ryan is joined by relationship experts Lori Kret and Jeff Cole, founders of the Aspen Relationship Institute and creators of Functional Love, an integrative model for helping couples rebuild connection and clarity.Lori and Jeff explain that many couples assume something is “broken” when conflict shows up, especially in a world where relationships are often portrayed as effortless. In reality, they normalize that long-term relationships are hard and that disconnection does not always mean the marriage is over.Guest InformationLori Kret and Jeff Cole are licensed therapists and board-certified coaches, and the founders of the Aspen Relationship Institute. They developed Functional Love, an integrative approach that combines self-awareness with practical action steps to help couples rebuild trust and emotional connection. They also write relationship columns for the Aspen Times and speak at wellness and community events.Episode OutlineWhen It’s Time to Try Saving the Marriage Why many relationships can be repaired when both partners are willing to explore deeper needs, take accountability, and rebuild emotional safety.Why “Communication Problems” Are Usually Not the Real Problem How communication issues often reflect deeper unmet needs, emotional loneliness, resentment, or lack of appreciation.The Myth of the Honeymoon Phase as a Standard Why “being in love” changes over time, and what long-term intimacy looks like when the relationship is healthy.Functional Love: Awareness + Action Why tools and strategies do not stick unless couples understand their triggers, protective patterns, and emotional fear responses.Reconciliation After Divorce Is Filed Why “trying again” only works with structure, therapy, and real accountability, not temporary promises.Repair After a Major Transgression What rebuilding trust looks like after an affair, including grief for the old relationship, emotional repair, and creating a new foundation.What is Divorce at Altitude? Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.