For The Sake Of The Children
For The Sake Of The Children Not All Dads Are Deadbeats by guest author Dave Flook Sometimes the consequences of our actions are not apparent until it’s too late. Several months ago I was approached by a girl in her...
Stress Management During Divorce
Stress Management During Divorce The process of getting divorced is extremely stressful for many people. They worry about their kids; they may not have enough money; they suddenly have to make major changes in their lives; they may be riding...
Venting about Your Ex Can Damage Your Child
Venting about Your Ex Can Damage Your Child scary animal Telling your child awful things about your ex usually damages your child and frequently backfires. As a family mediator, I hear one parent say horrible things about the other...
Holiday Memories for Children of Divorce
Children’s Holiday Memories A question for separated, divorced, and never-married parents: What kinds of holiday memories are you creating for your children? Joyful, generous, grateful celebrations in two households? Parents squabbling over who gets the kids...
Frustrations of a Family Mediator
Frustrations of a Family Mediator baby’s face 1. I cannot fix everything for everybody. People have the personalities, anxieties, hostilities, and blind spots that they have, and I cannot always get them to think and speak from the best parts...
Divorce and Holidays
Divorce and Holidays Thanksgiving turkey For many, Thanksgiving is a happy family gathering time. For others, it is a day when you have to see your dysfunctional relatives. For others, including divorced parents whose children will be with their...
Tips for Negotiating Successfully, Part 2
Tips for Negotiating Successfully, Part 2 You can find Part 1, with the first ten tips, on this page. 11. Begin by asking for more than you want. This is my least favorite advice to give. It grates against my...
Tips for Negotiating Successfully, Part 1
Tips for Negotiating Successfully, Part 1 Think and Negotiate At work, in your neighborhood, and in your family, you may from time to time run into a dispute that matters. You may want to negotiate with the other party about...
Things I Learned Recently from a Judge
Things I Learned Recently from a Judge This includes comments about adultery, custody, spousal support, absentee parents, counseling, spying on your partner’s email, and property distribution. Adultery may have almost no effect on a judge’s decisions about custody and visitation....
Can You Afford to Get Divorced?
Can You Afford to Get Divorced? A happy marriage is wonderful. Unfortunately, some marriages just don’t work out. A surprising number are secretly abusive. Sometimes people just grow apart and cannot find their way to get back together. If they...