Blog
What “Fair” Means in Mediation (It’s Not Always “Equal”)
One of the most common phrases heard in mediation is, “I just want what’s fair.” It sounds simple enough. But as mediation unfolds, participants often discover that their definitions of fair are very different. In fact, one of the most important lessons of mediation is that fair does not always mean equal. When people think… Read More
Five Things I’ve Learned From Watching Hundreds of Divorces
After watching hundreds of divorces unfold over the years, I’ve come to appreciate a simple truth: divorce is rarely just a legal process. It’s a deeply human experience. It involves grief, fear, hope, disappointment, and sometimes profound growth. While every family is different, certain patterns appear again and again. People often enter the process believing… Read More
What Is a Community Property State?
When a couple gets married, they often share a life together, including their income, assets, and financial responsibilities. But what happens if the marriage ends through divorce or the death of a spouse? The answer depends, in part, on whether the couple lives in a community property state. Understanding community property laws can help married… Read More
Blended Families: Unique Challenges in Mediation
Blended families are increasingly common, bringing together parents, children, stepparents, and sometimes half-siblings into one household. While these families can create loving and supportive environments, they also face unique challenges that can lead to conflict and uncertainty. When disagreements arise, mediation offers a constructive way to address concerns, improve communication, and develop practical solutions that… Read More
Why Is Anger So Exhausting?
Anger is one of the most powerful emotions we experience. In the moment, it can feel energizing—like a surge of heat and intensity that pushes you to react, defend yourself, or take action. But once it passes, many people are left feeling drained, foggy, and emotionally depleted. That sharp contrast raises an important question: why… Read More
Confidentiality in Mediation
When families come to the mediation table, they often share things they would never say in a courtroom — fears about parenting, financial struggles, old grievances, and genuine hopes for the future. What makes that openness possible? In large part, it comes down to one foundational promise: confidentiality. As a family mediator, confidentiality is one… Read More
Pet Custody in Divorce
Divorce can be one of life’s most emotionally challenging experiences, and for many couples, deciding what happens to a beloved pet can be just as difficult as dividing other assets. As pets increasingly become cherished family members, the issue of pet custody in divorce is gaining more attention in courts and mediation rooms alike. Understanding… Read More
How Poor Listening Creates Conflict
Conflict is often blamed on differences—different opinions, different priorities, different personalities. But in reality, conflict usually doesn’t begin with disagreement. It begins with disconnection. More specifically, it begins when people feel they are not being heard. Poor listening is one of the most common, yet least recognized, drivers of conflict in both personal and professional… Read More
How to Prepare Emotionally for Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is often seen as a more peaceful, cost-effective alternative to litigation—but that doesn’t mean it’s emotionally easy. Sitting down with your spouse to discuss the end of your marriage and the future of your family can stir up a wide range of feelings, from grief and anger to anxiety and relief. Preparing yourself… Read More
Why Winning in Divorce Isn’t the Goal
When people begin the divorce process, they may think, “I just want to take everything from him,” or “She is not going to get anything she wants.” But divorce isn’t a competition—and treating it like one often leads to outcomes that are more damaging than beneficial. In reality, the goal of divorce should not be… Read More