Most settlements and/or divorces require some follow up action. For example, a client may need a retirement order pursuant to the settlement.
Sometimes one or both parties have difficulty complying with the settlement and, rather than file some adversarial action in court, the parties prefer to come to an agreement as to how to handle the challenge.
There are times when parties have been separated and/or divorced and have issues that arise at a later time. There may be issues of a financial nature such as a need to modify support because a part income has substantially changed or they may have reached a property settlement and agree jointly to modify it.
There may be issues relating to parenting: They may need a modification of custody because one parent is relocating a distance from the other and the parenting plan in place will no longer work; A couple may be separated and have a child, but they were never married and they need assistance with child support and child custody (and a parenting plan); There may be challenges that arise relating to parenting that are not addressed in their settlement.
Even if a couple has separated and/or divorced, as long as they have children together, and there is some sharing of parenting responsibilities, they will have issues that arise and may need assistance reaching an agreement on how to handle parenting challenges. To the extent that the parents can have effective communications and minimize conflict relating to their children, it is more likely that their children will be happy and have healthy child development.
These are all examples of ways that I assist clients resolving issues beyond separation and divorce. I offer any of the three services outlined herein as a process for reaching resolution (Collaborative Practice, Legal Advice and Negotiated Settlement, and Mediation).