In a typical mediation session, the parties are often told to focus on their interests in order to work out a solution. They may exchange a provision that they do not care about as leverage for a provision that they do care about. A family mediator in Chicago can explain that parents have a more
Co mediation divorce mediation is different from a typical mediation session which usually involves one mediator who shuttles back and forth between the parties with information and settlement offers. Co mediation divorce mediation involves two mediators who help the parties reach an agreement. Mediators are specially-trained individuals who guide parties toward resolution of a legal
I was asked to write this article from the perspective of a non-attorney Divorce Mediator. Divorce mediation, as with a traditional divorce, tries to achieve the same end result, a set of agreements that are equitable and can be lived with by both parties. Where they differ sometimes is that mediation is also about helping
Equally damaging to a relationship as any other type of infidelity, financial infidelity weds a deep sense of betrayal and deceit with a profound loss of trust. It shakes the foundation of a relationship. Secret purchases on credit cards, borrowing money from a bank account or credit card, stashing money, and incurring debt unbeknownst from
In my last blog post I suggested that sending mediation clients off to separate attorneys was not being helpful. In response to this proposition one reader, an attorney and mediator from California, suggested that I had a low opinion of attorneys. I hope not. I have been a proud member
I’ve faced many difficult moments in my life. Who hasn’t? But preparing to tell my son that I will be divorcing his father was absolutely one of the worst. The emotions surging through my body were overwhelming. Deep, gut-wrenching fear. Continuous anxiety. Incredible guilt. And the oppressive weight of shame. My son, after all, was
For children of divorce moving between homes is stressful enough without the transfers themselves being upsetting. There are many ways in which parents can turn simple transfers into real nightmares. If your transfers are unnecessarily stressful following these tips for minimizing your child’s parent-to-parent transfer: General Tips Keep your child’s transfer as brief as possible
“Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.” ~William James Conflict is a normal and natural aspect of personal and professional relationships. As human beings, we are primed to respond to stress with a “fight” or “flee”
In my almost 28 years on the bench — most of which I spent presiding over family matters in the Circuit Court of Lake County in Waukegan — I had a front-row seat for an amazing display of human nature. I met families in crisis, parents in stress, and children in trouble. They arrived in
All couples can benefit from therapy or counseling to reduce stress, conflict, negative interaction, and improve relationship strengths as well as increase intimacy and happiness. It is a common misconception that seeking couples therapy means your relationship has serious problems or is doomed. All relationships have issues and conflict and we have professionals who
