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The Courage to Settle
Settlement or Court Litigation A quick check of the dictionary indicates that the word “settle” has many meanings. Settle can mean, among other things, to agree, covenant, compensate, reconcile, mend, compromise, reside, or verify. In the legal world, settle or settlement means to resolve a dispute. The basic calculus addressing the pros and cons of […]
The Costs and Benefits of “Do It Yourself”
As a mediator, I have had the experience of helping people address their concerns during difficult times when their families are in transition. I have repeatedly observed how people in the midst of emotional distress can lose perspective and hurt themselves by their inability to comprehend what is happening from various points of view. It […]
Estate Disputes: Managing Loss
As we mature, all of us eventually come to know that loss from the death of a loved one is inevitable. While we can know that death is truly one of the difficult “facts of life,” managing this loss can be a complicated experience. This complexity frequently occurs in dealing with the “business” of death: […]
Autumn Love: Arrangements for the Older Couple
While it may not be now on today’s top 40 list of songs, one great American standard truly resonates with older people. The song, recorded by many, including Frank Sinatra, is called “The Second Time Around.” The lyrics go like this: Love is lovelier the second time around Just as wonderful with both feet on […]
Child Custody: Creating a Parenting Plan
Creating a sustainable and healthy plan for your children is a challenging exercise. When discussing the options available to your family, it is helpful to consider these factors: The needs of your children and their particular temperaments Current and previous arrangements to care for your children Health, educational or religious concerns Safety concerns Appropriate scheduling […]
The Legal Divorce
No matter how long spouses have lived apart, no matter what the financial arrangement between spouses is, and no matter if spouses interact with one another or lead completely separate lives, a married couple cannot be legally divorced without an order from a court. At a minimum, to obtain a legal divorce, one spouse must […]
The Financial Divorce
Generally speaking, there are three interrelated aspects of divorce: the emotional divorce, the financial divorce, and the legal divorce. While each phase of the divorce process has its distinct characteristics, for many people it is usually the financial aspect of divorce that provokes the greatest anxiety. Transitioning from one household of composed of two adults to two households composed of one adult in […]
The Emotional Divorce
At the start of the new year or a new season, it is common for many of us to face the challenge of an unknown future while reflecting on our experiences of the past. This is especially true as we contemplate our choices about the structure of our families. For most people, the decision to remain […]
Ten Tips for Using Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Ten Tips to Prepare to Settle Your Case Out of Court 1. “I’ll see you in court!” suggests one way to resolve a dispute. Many people have no idea how expensive, time consuming and stressful going to court really is, so considering alternative ways to settle out of court can be beneficial. 2. Try to […]