Frances rushes to intercept Robert before he tells the children that she is divorcing him; Diane waits for news on Nick's condition; Frances considers signing a lease to open her art gallery.

Frances and Robert try to remain amicable as they meet with a mediator; Frances confides in a co-worker; Robert gets some surprising financial news.

Blindsided when she learns that her husband already has legal representation, Frances opens up a little too much in her initial meeting with Max Brodkin, a seasoned midtown divorce lawyer.

Hoping to keep things as normal as possible for the kids, Robert proposes a joint trip to Frances' parents' house during Christmas. Diane and Dallas each endure awkward Christmas Eves; Julian gets an unexpected visitor.