During a recent consultation, one of the spouses asked if I had any experience dealing with impasse, and if so, what were my strategies for getting cases past the deadlock to a place of settlement. That is a pretty big and telling question, at least the second part...
I had a consultation this week with a spouse who was beginning to gather information for possibly proceeding with a divorce. I gave her information about mediation to share with the absent spouse in the event she could persuade him to consider the mediation option. ...
It has been said that “ While it takes at least two to reconcile, it only takes one to forgive. ” Bill Johnson. As with all the other emotions we experience as we live our lives, we each have the ability at any time to forgive others and to forgive ourselves. Until...
I recently read an article that indicated over 90% of divorces in California settle prior to going to trial. Most Courts in California have a requirement that prior to proceeding with a trial that the parties participate in a Mandatory Settlement Conference to...
This past week I met with two separate clients who were each planning to get married. One of them was hiring me to assist them with a premarital agreement. The other wanted information about what a premarital agreement was, but was really much more interested in...
Usually by the time couples have come to see me at least one has already firmly decided they want a divorce. Every once in a while I will hear things from one or both spouses that give reason to pause, and explore if there are other options available to avoid a...
I have this picture of myself placed strategically in my office that was taken by a photographer for the town newspaper where I grew up in Ojai back when I was 17 and running cross-country my senior year in high school. Despite it being taken nearly 40 years ago, I...
I count myself extremely lucky that as soon as I make it through this full Friday of work that awaits me, I get to head off and spend this Mother’s Day weekend with my Mother. As a divorce professional I have to be careful celebrating one parent over the other. I...
I consider myself a runner. I ran cross country and the distance track events in high school, ran a number of 10k’s over the years with fairly competitive times and whenever I decide it is time to get myself back into shape, I dawn my shorts and lace up my running...
Once you have completed your divorce and a Judgment has been entered to resolve your matter, you are not usually done with everything forever. This is especially true if you have minor children or if child and spousal support are at issue in your case. In your...
To initiate a divorce in California, typically one spouse will file a Summons and Petition with the Court and then will take that paperwork and have it served on the other spouse. This paperwork places the other spouse on notice that they have 30 days to have a...
Top O’ the Mornin to Ya! With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I thought I would table divorce stuff for another week and share a little bit about what the day means to me and why. You might figure that with a name like Barney, I have some Irish...
In a recent study it was reported that nearly half of American households use credit cards to earn perks such as cash back, points to use toward purchases, and travel miles. Credit card companies entice users to run up debt so that substantial interest can be earned...