DivorceandFamilyMediationCenter.com

 

How Do We Get “There” Together?

 

In Part 1 of the “Financial-Emotional Conundrum” I touched on how the emotional aspect of our nature can often rule our responses to the many situations that either we bring to life or that life brings to us. One of the biggest, our financial situation, is frequently ruled by emotions.

When couples are considering a separation, one of the most challenging and important areas to be explored is how to allocate the available resources (money) so that both parties and the family have enough to live on. This can be a great source of emotional anxiety as the partners may feel that their safety and security is about to be threatened. When this happens, logic takes a back seat, feelings overwhelm and the fight or flight instinct kicks in.

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THE FIRST STEP

In any major life decision, the first step is always the hardest.  You can spend hours weighing the pros and cons, researching on the Internet, talking to friends and family. . . but eventually you have to take that first step toward resolution.

In a separation/divorce situation there are a number of decisions to be made, the first of which is whether to try mediation or go through litigation.  Not sure of your options?  Then the first step is to pick up the phone and make the call.

When you call the Divorce and Family Mediation Center, you will get a comprehensive overview of the mediation process:

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The question of who stays in the house is a big concern when couples are contemplating a separation or divorce. It is one of the topics that is discussed and negotiated in separation & divorce mediation. Read the rest of this entry »

When couples are separating the question of what happens to the house is a big topic of conversation and negotiation during the separation mediation. Read the rest of this entry »

In order to have a “legal separation” you must have a written document, signed by the parties. This document is a legally enforceable contract that covers everything from custody of the children; child support; a parenting plan; maintenance (alimony), if appropriate; and the equitable distribution of all the assets and debts. It is a detailed document that outlines in detail all the issues that have been addressed, negotiated and resolved by the parties. Read the rest of this entry »

You and your spouse can choose to live under the terms of a Separation Agreement for one year or more and then file for an uncontested divorce or you can file for the divorce right away. If you choose this option, instead of signing a Separation Agreement, you will sign a Stipulation of Settlement. Read the rest of this entry »

Mediation will save thousands of dollars in legal fees and emotional aggravation, and provide more flexibility than an adversarial legal process. If you let emotions rule when your marriage breaks up, the financial fallout could last for years. Choose divorce mediation instead of costly litigation. Read the rest of this entry »