In providing a mediation service, I am seeking to provide a compassionate, peaceful and cost-effective alternative for families going through a difficult transition.  I came to mediation following a 15-year career in litigation because I wanted to offer support to families that the court-system simply could not provide. I experienced first-hand the true cost of litigation – both personally and professionally. As an adult, I witnessed

How mediation can help calm your fear response so you are able to respond in a present, centered way. Couples entering into a divorce often experience the debilitating emotions of pitched anxiety and fear. Divorce is no doubt a life changing event. As you transition into a more uncertain future, your mind can race with apprehension as your thoughts cascade in a volatile, chain reaction.

Successful co-parenting relationships are possible when managed thoughtfully and intentionally by two parents acting in the best interest of their children. For couples with young children, the prospect of divorce can seem particularly daunting. As a marriage is ending, parents experience a fierce sense of protection to preserve normalcy for the children so they can thrive and grow into happy, independent adults. All too often,

Looking to qualify for divorced-spouse social security benefits? There are a few key principles to keep in mind as you sort through your options. The divorce rate among couples over the age of 50 — a phenomenon known as the “gray divorce” – has continued to soar nationwide. Surprisingly, this upward trend in the divorce rate is fairly isolated to older couples. In fact, researchers

Divorce mediation is more affordable than a litigated divorce. Estimates on the average cost of divorce vary, but there is one consistent theme: a litigated divorce is expensive. Very expensive. Back in 2008, The Wall Street Journal reported that the average cost of a divorce negotiated by rival lawyers ran about $27,000. A fully litigated divorce that went all the way through trial cost on

Gaining perspective from an experienced real estate agent. The family home is unlike other financial assets and debts. A house is an illiquid asset, layered with emotion, that cannot be quickly cashed out and divided. It is often a couple’s most significant asset that houses their family and provides (and signifies) stability. In a divorce, the decision of what to do with the family home

Mediation is growing in popularity due to the multitude of benefits that it offers. It provides flexibility and convenience unmatched by traditional litigation methods. There are cost-savings that can protect a family’s resources. It is a more peaceful way to divorce, promoting emotional ease and healing that can benefit children. Despite its many benefits, there are certain things people get wrong about divorce mediation. It

One of the most profound benefits of mediation is its capacity to allow for peace and healing during a difficult time. Mediation is designed to cut down on the antagonistic nature of the divorce process and allow families to lay a foundation for a healthy restructuring of their family unit. While divorce is a challenging transition for any family, the legal separation itself doesn’t need

One of the benefits of mediation that people appreciate most is privacy. As a mediator, I create a calm environment where people can work through their differences and carve out a plan for the future of their family. Mediation sessions are confidential. What is said in the confines of a mediation session cannot later be used against the parties in a court of law (there

Mediation has been shown in studies to be superior to litigation in dealing with divorce cases. There are plenty of emotional descriptors in support of the decision to mediate your divorce. It can be described as the more constructive, less traumatic way to end your marriage and transition your family. But there is also scientific research to suggest that mediation is a superior alternative. In

Once you and your spouse elect to move forward with divorce mediation, there are a number of preparatory steps you can take in order to make the most of your sessions. Once you agree to mediate, you will be provided access to financial software to accomplish several of these steps. Take an inventory of your assets and debts: Financial accounts: Between you and your spouse,

Self-determination stands out as one of the hallmarks of mediation and is one of its greatest benefits. When you decide to mediate, you are electing to participate in a process where you and your partner control the outcome. As a mediator, I will guide you through the process. But the terms on which you conclude your marriage are ultimately within your control.   Self-determination is

Mediation is a great option for divorcing couples who wish to be constructive and thoughtful in how they conclude their marriage. Mediation is a voluntary dispute resolution process that allows participants to directly negotiate and craft their own agreements. As a mediator, I help facilitate the negotiation and ensure the participants are informed and cover all aspects that need to be covered in a divorce.

Mediation can be your best option to achieve an efficient, straight-forward resolution on a schedule that’s right for you. When I am hired as a mediator, I offer couples the option to move as fast or as slow as they want; to mediate any day of the week; all from the comfort of your home.  As for speed: Do you want to fast-track the process