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Being involved in a relationship involving conflict is difficult. It doesn’t matter whether it is a personal or workplace relationship – it is never pleasant. In these relationships, even the most casual interactions can trigger a stress reaction.
For couples going through a divorce or parents who are raising their children in two homes have no choice but to continue to interact (more…)
We hear about the need to plan for a child’s future from day one. Every year the costs involved in parenting increase, in many ways so do the choices and possibilities. Divorce does not change this, however, it does mean that parents have to determine how they are going to navigate decisions now and in the future.
Among the many issues divorcing parents must consider are (more…)
It may seem that the more complex a divorce, the less appropriate divorce mediation is. In reality, mediation often makes more sense in complex cases, especially when children are involved.
When a divorcing couple has kids, they are going to continue to have a relationship with one another even after the divorce is final. Divorce mediation allows the couple to determine how they want to co-parent; what works for them individually, as a couple, and most importantly – what works for the children. (more…)
Child support is one of the issues addressed in divorce mediation.
Child support is not the same as alimony, maintenance, or other spousal support. For the parents of minor children, child support is a mandated payment to provide for the ongoing support of the children. Although required in every state, each state creates its own guidelines for payment.
Unlike other issues addressed in the dissolution of a marriage or relationship, child support does not have as much flexibility in the design. (more…)
One of the findings in The Longevity Project is that for this group of individuals, parental divorce during childhood indicated in a higher risk of early death – averaging out to five (5) years earlier than those whose parents did not split-up. Since the study was published more a handful of professionals, writers, and allied persons have referenced this finding as a cautionary tale to those who are contemplating divorce. (more…)
We seem to love rules and directions. Self-help is a billion dollar industry. It seems that everyone is looking for an expert to tell them how to live “right”. We trust others to be the experts in knowing what is best for us and our children, even when they have no direct knowledge of us.
This is true in regards to divorce, marital relationships, and parenting as well. There is a new book, The Longevity Project, that reports “parental divorce during childhood was the single strongest social predictor of early death, many years into the future”. In many ways this provocative statement is being used as newest rule to live and parent by. (more…)
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…)
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…)
It is hard to believe that it is 2011 already. As usual for many a new year means New Years Resolutions – a vow to do things differently.
Resolutions may be a promise to exercise, stop smoking, eat healthy, recycle more, or actively work to change a perpetual life circumstance. Whatever the resolution, for the person it is ultimately a promise to oneself to make a positive life change. Perhaps a resolution that should be made more often by individuals and organizations is to change the approach to conflict. Specifically, individuals and organizations can resolve to give a renewed focus on resolving conflict-fraught relationships. (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…)
