One challenging aspect of divorce is the fact that numerous important practical decisions must be made while the parties are simultaneously working through difficult emotional changes.

Deciding what to do with jointly-held real estate is one such example. Many couples own a primary marital home, while others may also have vacation homes, investment/rental property, and/or work-related property. It is important to realize that there are different tax consequences for each property type. You should consult with a tax specialist before taking any specific action.

A Mediator or Collaborative Practitioner (CP) may be helpful in suggesting various real estate options to consider. Read More >>

filed under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Family Law Services

In our previous two posts, we discussed the value that both attorneys and mental health professionals bring to Mediation and Collaborative Practice (CP). We would be remiss if we did not also consider the important function that financial professionals play.

Financial advisors are almost always invited to be a formal part of the CP process, but are also increasingly being used in Mediation as well, though usually in an informal capacity.

Generally the financial professionals are not Mediators themselves, but rather function as part of the team, either formally or informally. Additionally, they may or may not be neutral parties, depending upon the circumstances. Read More >>

filed under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Family Law Services

In our last post, we looked at the importance of including an attorney in Mediation and Collaborative Practice (CP). This article will focus on the value of inviting a mental health professional to be a part of the process.

As with the legal component, mental health professionals are expected to be a formal part of the CP process, but they are also frequently called upon in Mediation, either as facilitators or as resources (coaches, child specialists, etc.) for the parties. Read More >>

filed under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Family Law Services

The importance of the gift of listening simply cannot be overstated. This art form is missing from far too many relationships. In my line of work, I often wonder how many divorces could have been avoided if one or both spouses had taken the time to truly slow down and listen to what the other one was trying to say – sometimes without using words.

There are Two Parts to a Conversation.

Both participants in a conversation should be as actively engaged in listening as they are in talking. All too often during a conversation, the person not talking is already thinking about his or her response, or remembering everything on a “to do” list, rather than focusing on the words (and the meaning behind them) coming out of the other person’s mouth. We have all been guilty of this at one time or another. Read More >>

filed under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Family Law Services

Those involved in the fields of Mediation and Collaborative Practice (CP) must continually digest and apply recent changes in the law. The professional(s) must also keep their interpersonal skills sharp, since success is largely determined by their ability to navigate potential or present conflict as they assist a couple in reaching a divorce settlement.

For these reasons, I make sure to regularly attend industry conferences and educational programs, both to network with like-minded colleagues and also to learn more about current Mediation and CP issues and how to best handle them. Read More >>

filed under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Family Law Services