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For many, divorce mediation seems an impossibility for couples that are not getting along. It is as if only those couples who are getting along or in apparent agreement about issues – despite their decision to divorce – can realistically consider mediating their split.
Many think that divorce involving complex emotions and reactions cannot be mediated. As if the hurt and anger means that the couple cannot determine what is best for them and their family. This is a myth. (more…)
In a divorce, how do parents best respond to the needs of their children? In the best-case scenario, a comprehensive parenting plan or child custody agreement was completed at the time of the divorce. The parenting plan is an agreement that provides a clear framework for parents and families to operate under and make joint parenting decisions as children age and new circumstances develop.
Unfortunately, many parents find that their parenting plans or child custody agreements are limited in long-term effectiveness and application. Often original child custody agreements are created in the litigation process. Attorneys created the plans, (more…)
Everyone, at some point, ends up in a conflict with someone else. And, despite what it may seem like at the time, no one likes being personally involved in a heated dispute with another person or entity: if the outcome did not matter the conflict could not really exist as it would no longer be “fed” by the disputants.
Conflicts come in all shapes and sizes – and some are extremely heated. Those in dispute may not be able to look at one another without feeling experiencing anger and hurt. Although it may not seem that there is always an option, choosing how to respond to the dispute can have a significant affect on the outcome. (more…)
Mothers know and love their children like no one else. Seldom do they plan to raise their kids with the involvement of a stepmother, however for many this becomes a reality: a reality that can trigger a host of uncomfortable feelings and situations for mothers, stepmothers, fathers, and children.
It can be difficult to have a relationship with an ex-husband’s new partner: your child’s stepmother. This is even more difficult when the new woman was the catalyst for the divorce or split. However, when there are kids involved, (more…)
Employers know that parents worry about their children, and sometimes are preoccupied with thoughts about their children’s health and well-being while at work. To be sure employees going through a litigated divorce are often preoccupied with the process and worry about the outcome.
What about after the fact, once the divorce is finalized the child custody agreement and parenting plan is in place; are parents done being preoccupied with these issues at work? (more…)
For many families in the US, grandparents play a major role in the extended family and enjoy special relationships with their grandchildren. Whether the primary role is one of caretaker or something else, these relationships are generally considered positive and important for all family members.
However, there are times when grandparents – as a result of strained family relationships – find themselves cut off from their grandchildren. For some, (more…)
Divorce is a difficult process. Regardless of the reason behind the break-up, the process of formalizing the divorce is often upsetting both emotionally and logistically. The logistical process of the relationship separation can trigger and aggravate the emotional issues involved. In cases where at least one person identifies a triggering event for the break-up of the relationship, the emotions involved can make a peaceful efficient resolution of the issues almost impossible without involvement of divorce professionals. (more…)
So often when a couple has made the decision to divorce – their best intentions and desires seem to get co-opted by well-meaning and concerned friends and family. In an effort to be supportive or protective advice, solicited and unsolicited, seems to come from every direction.
Advice can be be helpful: a divorce is something typically not planned for nor do most know how to go about it. In addition, the break-up of any relationship is a conflict and like any conflict or dispute, family and friends respond based on their own frames of reference – which includes their personal fears and biases. (more…)
Mediation, as a viable form of conflict resolution, has gotten more attention over the years. However, many remain unaware of the scope of conflicts that can be effectively effectively mediated. Mediation is an appropriate initial means of intervention for most conflicts.
In general anything that can be litigated can be mediated – including small claims disputes, divorce and custody issues, workplace disputes, business and professional conflicts, etc.
Mediation is an optimal means (more…)
“Virtual Visitation” refers to the use of technology to enhance parent child interaction between in-person parenting time.
While there is no replacement for direct one-on-one interaction between individual parents and children, using technology to virtually spend time with kids is a positive option for many families. For various reasons, including separation and divorce, millions of parents do not have daily or casual access to their children. (more…)
