Blog
What Happy Divorced People Do Differently
Divorce is rarely something people celebrate. It often begins with disappointment, grief, anger, or uncertainty about the future. Yet many divorced individuals eventually describe themselves as happier than they were before. The difference is not that they had an easier divorce or fewer challenges. Instead, happy divorced people tend to adopt specific habits and mindsets… Read More
What a Divorce Mediator Does That a Judge Can’t
Divorce is one of life’s most stressful transitions. When couples enter the legal system, many assume a judge is the person best equipped to solve their problems. While judges play an important role in finalizing divorces and making legal rulings, their authority is often limited to applying the law and issuing orders. A divorce mediator,… Read More
Should You “Divorce” a Sibling?
When people hear the word divorce, they usually think of spouses ending a marriage. But some of life’s most painful breakups happen outside of marriage. In recent years, more people have begun using the phrase “divorcing a sibling” to describe the decision to cut ties with a brother or sister. For many, the idea feels… Read More
What Happens When Both Spouses Want the Same House?
One of the hardest decisions in a divorce is deciding what happens to the family home. Sometimes the answer seems obvious: one spouse wants to keep the house, while the other wants to sell it. But what happens when both spouses want the same house? This situation is more common than you might think, especially… Read More
What Is the Best Custody Exchange for My Children?
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most practical questions they face is: “What is the best way for us to exchange the children?” Custody exchanges may seem like a small detail compared with decisions about parenting time, child support, and holidays. But the way children move from one parent’s home to the other… Read More
What Kids Really Remember About Their Parents’ Divorce, Years Later
When parents divorce, they often focus on legal decisions, financial arrangements, and the challenge of building two separate households. During this difficult time, many wonder what their children will remember years down the road. The answer may surprise them. Children rarely dwell on who kept the house, how assets were divided, or what happened during… Read More
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