Gathering Financial Information – Another Key Factor in the Pace of Mediation

June 18, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
David Louis

David Louis

In a previous article, I described the key factors that play a role in how long it will take to complete divorce mediation, focusing on the emotional readiness of each spouse.

In this article, I would like to continue this discussion by turning my attention to the financial factors that may determine the pace of mediation.

As much as our attention is focused on the end of a marriage and what that means in terms of personal impact, it is the financial decisions that will often have the most lasting impact, years after divorce.

 

Filed Under: Blog · Tagged With: , , ,

Equitable Does Not Mean “Equal”

June 13, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Daniel Burns

Daniel Burns

 

During a recent mediation session Ellie was very clear that she did not believe it would be fair to divide everything equally.

“You have not been working to your full potential” she told her husband, Geoff. “You have a college degree and could have made as much money as I have but you decided to work part time and I have had to carry the weight of most of our expenses during our marriage! It just doesn’t seem fair that you should get half my pension as well as half of our savings and other assets.”

“Don’t forget,” responded Geoff, “I did work very hard early on in my career but we both decided it would be better for me to take a job that paid less but which did not require the travel and stress that my former position created. I believe I did contribute as much as you did because I was around to help with the kids when they were young while you were out working all the time!”

Learn how Daniel Burns helped this couple through divorce mediation.
.
Filed Under: Blog · Tagged With: , , , ,

Divorce Mediation: What Makes A Good Mediator A Great Mediator?

June 6, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Susan Ingram

Susan Ingram

With enough training and experience, a divorce/family mediator can certainly become an adequate, and even a good mediator. But what are those extra qualities that turn a good mediator into a great mediator? I’ve purposefully used the word qualities instead of abilities, because I believe qualities better conveys the deep-seated foundation and beliefs by which a person lives his or her life. It’s these less-tangible elements that make all the difference – and that ultimately enable the mediator to interact with clients on a much deeper level.

Learn more about the qualities of a good divorce mediator by reading the rest of Susan Ingram’s article.

Filed Under: Blog · Tagged With: , , , ,

My Friends are Getting Divorced – Part 1

June 4, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Jennifer Safian

Jennifer Safian

The divorce process is certainly difficult for the couple going through it, but it can be equally difficult for their friends. What do you say? What do you do? Who do you support?

If you have a relationship with both the husband and wife, it may be very difficult not to get caught in between them, particularly because circumstances are usually adversarial.

If you wish to maintain your relationships with both, it is very important not to take sides. You need to make it clear to each of them, separately, that you are there for them, to listen to and support them, but that you will remain neutral and not side with one or the other.

 Read more in Jennifer Safian’s divorce mediation blog.
.
Filed Under: Blog · Tagged With: , , ,

A Must Read for Every Parent

May 30, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Ada Hasloecher

Ada Hasloecher

My sister is a high school English teacher. While reading The Grapes of Wrath, a story about a family who is evicted from their farm by the bank during the Dust Bowl and forced to journey to California in search of work, her students were asked to write a Travel Journal of their own. They were asked to write about a journey that they have taken, that either physically or emotionally changed them.

For every parent who wonders how their separation or divorce will affect their children, this 14-year-old’s essay summed it up in the most eloquent way.

 
Filed Under: Blog · Tagged With: , , , ,

How Fast or Slow Do You Want to Go?

May 28, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
David Louis

David Louis

In divorce mediation, the question will usually arise at our first consultation – “How Long Will This Take?” Many factors will determine the answer to this question.  In fact, sometimes we need to decide what is being asked – is it,

 “How Long Will Mediation Take?”, or:

 “How Long Will It Take Before We Are Divorced?”

 In answering the question, “How Long Will Mediation Take?”, several key factors will play a role, including:

  •  The emotional readiness of each spouse to proceed
  • The ability of the couple to gather important financial information
  • The complexity of financial issues

In this article, David Louis will discuss how the emotional readiness of the spouses is an important consideration in the time it may take to complete the divorce mediation process.

Filed Under: Blog · Tagged With: , , , ,
«Older Posts