Budget
There’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.…
Read MoreCustody and Child Support Mediation
Your family does NOT belong in court! Choosing to mediate your custody or child support plan is a simple, affordable and confidential way to resolve your parenting issues. When mediating your parenting agreement you may want to consider the following: Parenting Agreement Checklist __ Parenting schedule, decisions, and information __ Support __ Discipline and rules…
Read MoreMAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS
During mediation, be prepared to share your financial information with your partner. Sharing this information and becoming aware of each other’s financial picture can help you make better financial decisions for yourself and your family. If you need assistance in preparing this information, an accountant or financial planner may be helpful. After gathering the information,…
Read MoreBe Realistic!
One of the most useful ways to help plan for your future is to prepare a Budget Worksheet. Utilizing a budget worksheet or spreadsheet can help you estimate and prepare for your expenses after separation. Most folks think budgeting is cumbersome or bothersome, but taking the time to calculate how much it will cost to move…
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