If infidelity ruins a marriage, it does not have to ruin a family.

Photo by bin Ziegler from Pexels There is a common misconception that the only people who can have mediated divorces are people with a “clean record.” Meaning, no fighting, no substance abuse, no cheating, and more. If you think about it, this doesn’t really make any sense. If the only people who chose amicable divorces were people withContinueContinue reading “If infidelity ruins a marriage, it does not have to ruin a family.”

Holidays and Starting the New Year

Photo by Gabriela Palai on Pexels.com As we wrap up the holidays, are you wandering from room to room wondering how you have survived so long with your spouse? Do you catch yourself forcing a smile for so long that your jaw starts to clench? Sometimes we spend the holidays with family and friends, thinkingContinueContinue reading “Holidays and Starting the New Year”

Hunker Down – Here Come the Holidays!

As we all know, the end of the year brings with it all of the joys and excitement of the holiday season.  Unless you are going through a divorce.  Then it brings all of the “joys” and “excitement” of the holiday season. Here is an excerpt from an email I just sent a client ofContinueContinue reading “Hunker Down – Here Come the Holidays!”

What is the Goal of a Mediated Divorce?

In a mediated divorce we are trying to make sure that everyone gets a fair share of all available resources, including  the assets and debts, the income, and time with the children. But in a litigated divorce there’s an extra item to distribute: Blame. Unlike everything else on the list, there is usually more than enoughContinueContinue reading “What is the Goal of a Mediated Divorce?”

Stay Positive and Determine Your Own Happiness

😁 I recently spent the day with a friend I have known for decades.  She lives a few states away and I was unable to help in her divorce, other than to cheer her on from the sidelines.  The husband was ruthless and my dear friend is still reeling, and doing her best to keepContinueContinue reading “Stay Positive and Determine Your Own Happiness”

Don’t Take Your Ex’s Word for Everything

I received a call this week from “Tony,” a fictitious name for a man I represented in 1998, when he and his first wife had a 3 year old son together.  He has been a generous and involved father to his child from that marriage for the entire 15 years since his divorce. He paidContinueContinue reading “Don’t Take Your Ex’s Word for Everything”

Whose divorce is this, anyway?

I had a surprising phone call today with an old friend.  He has been in the divorce process for almost a year, and could not see a way to conclude the process and get on with his life.  The reason, sadly, is because his wife won’t let him.  After all of these years of lettingContinueContinue reading “Whose divorce is this, anyway?”

Getta’ loada’ THIS guy!

I rarely do this, but – you think your ex (or soon-to-be-ex) is a jerk?  Getta’ loada’ THIS guy! Mr. and Mrs.  “Michaels” were married while Mr. Michaels was finishing his education at a prominent New York law school.  Mrs. Michaels worked two jobs so they could afford a decent place to live while herContinueContinue reading “Getta’ loada’ THIS guy!”

Finding A Theme In Life

I don’t know about your house, but in my family, the resolutions have already begun meeting reality.  Diets are hard to maintain in cold weather.  No one is going out for a run in the snow.  With only one day of school under our belts, the backpacks were already in the middle of the livingContinueContinue reading “Finding A Theme In Life”

Holidays and Who to Have Over

The holiday guest lists are being written.  I love asking people whom they are going to see over the holidays because there are so often fun surprises tucked inside the “usual” family list. A few of my favorite answers I have heard include: *   My husband and our kids, my 2 sisters, their husbands andContinueContinue reading “Holidays and Who to Have Over”