Posts by DClement
Love and Marriage
Each spring, I have the pleasure of teaching a course that brings me so much joy and satisfaction every year. The class is called “Love and Marriage” and is offered as an undergraduate course at West Chester University, located in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Read MoreMarital Mediation
What is Marital Mediation? Marital Mediation is for couples facing marital challenges and those that would prefer to stay married and resolve conflicts together. The main goal or purpose of Marital Mediation is to save your marriage and avoid divorce. Mediation is not therapy. Your mediator will guide you through a practical approach to resolving…
Read MoreCO-PARENTING DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season can be challenging, however, careful planning and communication with your co-parent can help make the season a smooth one. Start planning early Conflict arises when parents wait until the last minute to arrange an event with the children. During the holidays our lives are already overscheduled with festive parties and events and…
Read MoreAffordable Process
USE A MEDIATOR FIRST Using a mediator is a great first step and can help you resolve issues without going to court. Mediation is an affordable tool to help families resolve conflict and navigate the family law process. The process starts when you and your spouse or co-parent meet together with the mediator to decide…
Read MoreKeep it Simple Folks.
Family law matters do NOT have to be complicated. Lawyers tend to make the process more complex and difficult using threats, accusations, and fear. Fear often leads to a drawn-out battle and extremely high legal fees, getting in the way of an amicable process. I will let you in on a lawyer secret… it doesn’t…
Read MoreStress: Take Care Of Yourself.
Family law matters can be stressful even if you are entering into the process amicably. If you are stressed out, and your children or loved ones are noticing, it may be time to start taking care of yourself. Your children will notice your stress. Your children may start to notice your stress, and they may…
Read MoreSupport in Pennsylvania
What is alimony? In Pennsylvania, alimony is a payment to an ex-spouse after a divorce. In some cases, a spouse may need financial assistance starting over and alimony can help that spouse with the transition. MYTH: I am entitled to alimony. NO! You are not entitled to alimony in Pennsylvania. You must ask a judge…
Read MoreWHAT IF MY SPOUSE WILL NOT MEDIATE?
Unfortunately, most family law matters can drag out for many years and be very expensive and emotionally draining for a family. Often one spouse will be the cause of the ongoing conflict and refuse to negotiate. What if one spouse is reluctant or refuses to mediate? Why? Find out why your spouse will not mediate?…
Read MoreHelpful Mediation Tools
During the mediation process, your mediator may offer tools and worksheets that help you make decisions for you and your family. The tools can be useful for budgeting and planning for your future after mediation. Below you will find a budget worksheet and a property and debt worksheet. Budget Form: Property and Debt Form: Please…
Read MoreConfused?
There are many questions to consider before starting the mediation process. Occasionally I receive a call or a friend will stop me in the grocery store with this… I think I might want a divorce or separation but I am not sure. When divorce ambivalence is prevalent, pushing a couple into the divorce process is…
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