Some of the most common questions that I am asked by mediation clients at the beginning of their mediation are: What documents are generated in mediation and how do those documents relate to completing a divorce? What documents does the mediator handle and what documents do the attorneys handle? Do either, or both of us […]
Road Map for a Negotiated Settlement in Mediation or Collaborative Divorce
Clients who come to see me are interested in resolving their issues outside of court through negotiation. I believe it helps to provide them with a road map of what steps we will follow and a general flow of the stages we usually follow. 1. What are the key elements that need to be addressed […]
What About the Children?
Separation and divorce involves a restructuring of the family, especially when children are involved. I observe in my clients, and know from personal and professional experience, what a difficult transition divorce can be. As a mediator and collaborative family law attorney, I rarely get to meet or talk with the parties’ children. I always inquire, […]
Settlements Can Be More Creative Than Court Decisions
If a spouse files for divorce with a request for property division or for financial support, the options available to the court in deciding a disputed matter are governed by statute. Yet, if the spouses reach an agreement settling their issues out of court, and it is presented to the court for incorporation into a […]
Why I Became a Family Law Attorney and Mediator
My interest and passion has always been in child development, family relationships and communications. As a young child, I learned that my father’s parents divorced and my grandmother died before I was born. I had a very loving relationship with my “step” grandmother yet heard how difficult this family history was for my father. As […]
Protecting Teenagers of Divorce as they Transition from Child to Adult
It is graduation season and many teens are graduating from high school and becoming adults. It can be a difficult time saying goodbye to family and friends, transitioning to college, new living arrangements, and possibly moving to a new geographic area. For those children of divorced parents, it can be particularly hard, especially if those […]
The Importance of Doing the Emotional Work of Divorce Early On
While it is important to have a legal consultation with an attorney when separation and divorce is being contemplated, it is just as valuable for both parties to work with counselors to attend to their emotions. It is sensible to work with an attorney to assess the status quo regarding fairness and safety and make […]
CO-MEDIATION: Consider the Option
What is Mediation? “Mediation is a dynamic, structured, interactive process where a neutral third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques. All participants in mediation are encouraged to actively participate in the process. Mediation is a “party-centered” process in that it is focused primarily upon the […]
Mediation and How it Can Assist in Building Communication for the Future
Mediation is designed to enable clients to feel they have a safe space (physically and emotionally) to work through issues pertaining to their relationship. It can be a dispute resolution “home” for the clients where rapport is established between the clients and the Mediator. The goal for Mediation is not reconciliation (although on occasion, this […]
Dating Considerations Pending a Separation or Divorce
It is not uncommon for people to want to date while separated or pending divorce. Many are ready to move forward with their lives. For some, it has been a long time since they have experienced intimacy with another. They may socialize in a group and meet someone, or feel the desire to post […]