The very best settlement offers are sometimes rejected. Not because the parenting plan isn’t the best solution for the family. Not because the financial proposal isn’t the greatest possible outcome possible. Fantastic offers are sometimes rejected simply because people in controversy are often are controlled by their emotions, and those emotions prevent people from making rational decisions. The collaborative divorce process and the use of neutral mental health professionals can help someone … [Read more...]
Can You Hear Me NOW?
Divorce Coaching Can Vastly Improve Communication Can you imagine walking into court for a final hearing for your divorce case thinking you might be led away in handcuffs if you lose? That has to be a scary thought. And an outrageous one. People are almost never taken away in handcuffs at the end of divorce case. As a young lawyer, I once had a divorce case client with whom I had difficulty communicating. Because of my lack of experience, I did not recognize the highly emotional nature of … [Read more...]
10 Signs You May Need a Divorce
Are you considering a divorce? Not sure what to do? Being ambivalent about divorce is normal because there’s no way to be certain you’re doing the right thing. Being unhappy is stressful and we want to end the pain. However, don’t rush into divorce simply to make yourself feel better. Take your time ending a marriage. It’s a big decision, so before deciding to divorce, consider the following signs you might need to untie the knot. 1. You Have a Sexless Marriage I don’t mean you haven’t had sex … [Read more...]
Can I Date During My Divorce?
The question “Can I date during my divorce?” comes up all the time in my practice. I tell my clients it’s not a good idea to date until the divorce is final – there are too many complications. In spite of my advice, clients do date during their divorce. Usually it’s because they’re lonely or want to feel better about themselves. After all, what could go wrong on a simple date? Lots of bad things if you date while your divorce is pending. There are strategic, legal and emotional reasons not to … [Read more...]
Should I Divorce or Stay Married?
Deciding to divorce is a huge step and it’s difficult to make the right choice. Having second thoughts about a divorce when you are over fifty is natural because you will be facing major changes in your life. Whether you or your spouse wants the divorce, take time to think before you act. Ask yourself some simple questions and think about your relationship systematically. Ask Yourself These Questions Do you still love your partner? Are you just threatening divorce because you’re angry or want … [Read more...]
A Trip Into Mediation (Or, Why I Choose Collaborative)
This article is from Angela Soper, a mental health professional and Collaborative Law Institute of Member based in Spring, working with a wide range of clients, including married couples and collaborative law clients seeking a divorce. Recently, I had the mixed blessing of sitting through a mediation session with the mother of one of my clients, in an attempt to settle her divorce. I’ve worked with both the mother and daughter for almost two years, trying to help the daughter and father come … [Read more...]
