Virtual Mediation can help smooth the holidays. Divorcing couples or recently divorced couples commonly experience some sadness over the holidays. If they have young children the feelings of loss and grief can be even greater. Underlying these feelings of holiday loss and sadness are often deeper layers of emotions

One important benefit of divorce mediation is the parties control the tempo of the process. Usually the divorcing couple can sustain a tempo or time line that works adequately for both of them. Unfortunately, there are occasions when the parties are not in alignment on the pace. This imbalance can

While every couple going through a divorce presents a different personality profile and every case has different factual and legal issues, there are some “do’s and don’ts” that have helped many couples experience the best possible outcome in terms of fairness and reasonableness through divorce mediation. Here is a

As a divorce mediator, I am frequently asked by couples contacting me for the first time, “What do we need to do to prepare for mediation? What do you need from us?” It’s a good question; by asking it most couples are indicating they want the process to move

How can we get our divorce through mediation when we absolutely cannot communicate?…I mean we never (ever) want to be in the same room again! I have had some utterly heartbreaking divorce cases over the years. Couples who were once in love are not just ending their marriage; they are utterly

Note from John: Couples who are considering a divorce mediator usually want to have some idea of what to expect in how their mediation process will be facilitated. A client whose case is now closed wrote me a letter of appreciation. With their permission, I share this letter with you,

Ending a marriage while raising minor children is difficult on every level – emotional, financial, social, familial, physical and, for many, spiritual. Along with the normal emotions associated with a failed relationship and the legal issues which must be sorted out in any divorce, the impact on the children adds

Mediation has become more popular in California for couples going through a divorce. Here are some answers for people without minor children as to what happens at divorce mediations as opposed to more traditional divorce proceedings. This article is a companion to my article about expectations concerning divorce mediation in California for

A couple going through a divorce has basically three choices: Pay attorneys to advocate for them against their spouse’s attorney, or Try to do their divorce by themselves (DIY), or Work together through mediation. Here is a look at the pros and cons of hiring lawyers or a mediator. (I

A couple going through a divorce has basically three choices: Try to do their divorce by themselves.  Pay attorneys to advocate for them against their spouse’s attorney.  Work together through mediation. Here is a look at the pros and cons of trying to do it themselves and/or working together

Many people do not want to pay a big retainer to get through their divorce. Mediation divorce costs are much lower than cases which end up in court. For one thing, they probably intuitively know that it is unlikely that the case will settle before their entire retainer is used

Couples usually want to know that they have really tried to make a marriage work before ending it. For couples who need time to work through their struggles, and who do not want to risk destabilizing their existing situation I have been able to use my experience as a mediator

In addition to years of success as a mediator in legal divorce cases, I also have proven expertise in helping couples solve other problems through mediation. Mediation works great as an alternative to therapy because it is fact based and results oriented. Rather than looking for the cause of problems,

Confidentiality in a mediation is a significant benefit to the parties. In general whatever is said in mediation cannot be legally repeated in Court or to any other legal authority. That means that offers made, counter offers proffered, as well as topics discussed cannot be revealed. More importantly, it means