Budget
Why Mediate?
Mediation tends to be peaceful and positive. Most families prefer to make decisions together rather than using an adversarial court process. Mediation encourages cooperation and agreement and is a relatively simple process compared to alternative methods. AVOID COURT! Your family does NOT belong in court. Family matters should be private and confidential. Most parents and…
Read MoreHow to Save Money on Your Divorce
Divorce is not complicated, it is simply the end of your legal status as a married couple. In Pennsylvania, property and debts are divided equitably (Equitable Distribution). The process is straightforward, couples must equitably divide, distribute or assign the marital property. However, if you and your spouse want to fight about it, divorce lawyers will…
Read MoreWhat Type Of Mediation Is Right For Me?
Prenuptial/Premarital Mediation Prenuptial Mediation is for dating or engaged couples to discuss issues related to their relationship, wedding day, and future marriage. Premarital agreement mediation can help prevent an adversarial approach and help couples communicate and determine their own terms with a neutral mediator. In premarital mediation, you have equal bargaining power over the outcome.…
Read MoreThere’s No Such Thing As A Dragon
My career as a divorce mediator has taught me many lessons, and my clients have become my greatest teachers. I have noticed that several of the same issues repeatedly lead couples to my office for divorce or separation. The pattern I have seen so often brings to mind the children’s book “There’s no such thing…
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 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 MoreMEDIATION: Is it Right for Me?
Do I have to go to court? No! In Pennsylvania you have a few options, one option is to hire separate attorneys and go to court. This option will result in a decree, however, it will involve several years in the court system and tens of thousands of dollars. A better option is to mediate…
Read MoreSAVE MONEY: Mediate
How do we save money? Often folks would prefer to save money and keep afloat financially during a difficult process. During mediation, we have a conversation about income and expenses and how to have financial peace. We gather information to help you make decisions about your finances during the process. Here are a few tips…
Read MorePEACEFUL PROCESS
Private Path What does a peaceful process look like? In Pennsylvania, we have a mediation process for couples. This option eliminates the expense and time required for one spouse to formally blame the other spouse in court. Couples can choose to keep their families’ private information and “dirty laundry” out of court and out of…
Read MoreEMPOWER YOURSELF
Gathering the information you need to organize your life and your finances can empower you to make the best decisions for your future. A budget form or worksheet can help you make decisions for yourself and your family. When creating your budget worksheet consider gathering information about your income and expenses AFTER divorce or separation.…
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