Will You Let Them Go to the Wrong Location? (Three Minute Read)
Last weekend, I listened to a podcast where the guest was an unhappy wife. She was complaining to the host that she was tired of being the CEO of her family. She talked about feeling exasperated when her husband, while piling the kids into the car for soccer practice,...
Does Your Adult Kid Still Live at Home? (Three Minute Read)
I just read in my neighborhood app about a parent’s request for help to evict his 35-year-old son who was still living rent-free in the casita (guest house). The reasons were somewhat justifiable, but the dad feared he was enabling his son. Psychologists define...
Election Time Conflict (Three Minute Read)
Are you a Republican married to a Democrat? Do you engage in healthy discussions with your spouse, or do you have the discipline to simply “not go there?” We are living in an era of extreme partisanship, and tolerance isn’t always at the forefront, especially within...
Can a Divorce Ultimatum Work? (Three Minute Read)
During a recent divorce mediation, I learned that my client, “Mike,” had been having an affair. When his wife, “Monique,” found out, she demanded that he immediately end the other relationship and get some therapy, or else she was filing for...
There’s No Such Thing as an Impasse (Three Minute Read)
We’ve all been stuck in a conflict that ends with an impasse. Co-workers who refuse additional responsibility, teenagers who won’t respect a curfew, spouses who “forget” to mention use of the debit card, are just a few typical examples. There are global examples of...Consideration and Civility (Three Minute Read)
Some of my lifelong values, thanks to the teachings of my parents, are to be respectful and to show consideration for others. Although I didn’t actually realize it during my childhood, they were also teaching my siblings and me about civility. Without diminishing the...
Telling the Family (Three Minute Read)
I will never forget my mother’s reaction when I told her that I was getting divorced. (Out of respect, I’m not going to quote her . . . but if you want to know, comment on this blog and I’ll tell you.) Obviously, it’s never easy telling your...
What is the Definition of “MINO?” (Three Minute Read)
“MINO” is an acronym standing for “married in name only.” I’ll start by telling you about a well-known professional athlete who had both a wife and a mistress. Each knew about the other, and they all went to great lengths to avoid...
Balance is Vital (Three Minute Read)
I’ve written about the importance of balance several times over the years and, not surprisingly, the topic keeps showing up in divorce mediation when my clients are discussing finances and, more importantly, when they’re talking about co-parenting. Do...
You’re The Expert In Your Own Life (Three Minute Read)
It seems to happen more often than not in divorce mediation. “My friend told me . . .” or “my brother says . . .” The information we receive from our support system is always well-intended. But is it actually helpful? I’m big on giving advice,...
Do Your Intentions Align with Their Perceptions? (Three Minute Read)
When I was in college, I had a poster in my dorm room with the words “I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” Credit for the quote goes to Alan Greenspan, the famous economist and...Free Initial Consultation!
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