A recent article suggested that couples going through a divorce should start first with conversations about the emotional side of this life transition, rather than the paperwork. That’s not to suggest that complex legal issues aren’t often raised by...
Mediating Conflict,
Embracing Peace
Year: 2014
Should unmarried couples worry about estate planning?
For many couples, the time period between their engagement and their wedding day seems to fly by, even if those dates are separated by many months. From wedding preparations and invitations to preparing for a new lifestyle, there can be a seemingly infinite number of...
Bridging the disconnect between divorce and mortgage lenders
Regarding property division in a divorce proceeding, perhaps no aspect is more emotionally fraught than the issue of the family home. Many happy memories and associations may be tied to a physical space. For a spouse that gives up real property in a divorce, that...
Can a retirement plan be split in a Washington divorce?
In community property states like Washington, marital assets and debts are generally divided down the middle between the divorcing spouses. Matters become more complicated, though, as assets become more complicated. If you and your soon-to-be ex have real estate,...
Why “conscious uncoupling” might be best for your divorce
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her Coldplay-frontman husband Chris Martin made waves earlier this year when they announced their intention to – "consciously uncouple" (aka "divorce"). Though divorce in Hollywood is nothing new, nor is it exactly newsworthy around the...
Baby boomers divorcing at a record high pace
If recent studies are any indication, the baby boomer generation may be reverting back to the "free love" mindset of the 1960s and 1970s. Research reveals that couples over the age of 50 are now divorcing at a higher rate than ever before. Data analyzed by...
“Stay away!”: Getting a restraining order
The break-up of any relationship is painful, whether it is between unmarried parties or if an individual decides to file for divorce. A person may feel hurt, anger, bitter, or betrayed. And with emotions running high, your partner may say and do things he or she...
Parenting Plan: Viva la spring break! (part 3 of 3)
Any child custody action, whether it is a divorce or unmarried people who have a child in common, involves the determination of a parenting plan. A parent plan creates a residential schedule for the parents and the child. The parenting plan establishes who the child...
Parenting Plan: Viva la spring break! (part 2 of 3)
When you have a child with someone it doesn't matter if you're divorcing or breaking up...you're going to have to talk about who gets time with the child and when. This is what a parenting plan accomplishes; establishing each parent's schedule with the child. A...
Parenting Plan: Viva la spring break! (part 1 of 3)
I'm afraid this post isn't jam-packed with exciting or exotic Spring Break travel destinations. This post is on a more tame subject matter...about creating a spring break schedule in your parenting plan. Separating parties that have children together need a...