shared parenting
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation
How long does mediation take? How does mediation differ from court? Does mediation require a retainer?
Read MoreDivorce Mediation After Marriage Counseling
Couples therapists, clergy members, or marriage counselors help spouses and co-parents rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship. However, despite best efforts, some couples reach a point where reconciliation is no longer possible. When this happens, the transition away from the relationship can be just as crucial as the attempts to save it.
Read MoreHow to Talk to Your Spouse About Mediation
Discussing divorce or custody mediation with your spouse or co-parent can be challenging, especially during times of conflict. Even though mediation is the optimal choice for families, having the initial conversation may be difficult. Where to begin? Before initiating the discussion, it is helpful to prepare yourself for the conversation about mediation. First, gather the…
Read MoreWhat is a Mediated Parenting Plan?
A mediated parenting plan is an agreement drafted by parents with the help of a neutral third-party attorney-mediator. The goal is to keep your family out of court and create a flexible, child-focused plan that outlines how each parent will share financial and parenting responsibilities. Key Components of a Mediated Parenting Plan Benefits of Mediation…
Read MoreHow to Respond to a Co-Parent Using BIFF
Co-parenting in times of conflict can feel like walking through a minefield. Messages seem to carry blame, bait, or emotional triggers designed to provoke. Whether it’s critical, controlling, or inflammatory, the question becomes: How do you respond without adding fuel to the fire?
Read MoreDivorce Preparation: BUDGET
Preparing a divorce budget, often overlooked, is a simple yet crucial step in the divorce preparation process. While it may not be the most enjoyable task, understanding your future needs and expenses will empower you to make informed financial decisions during the divorce process.
Read MoreImportance of a First Draft in a Settlement Agreement or Parenting Plan
When going through a mediated divorce or separation, one of the most important documents you will need is a written Settlement Agreement or Parenting Plan. These documents outline how assets, debts, child custody, spousal support, and other key matters will be handled post-divorce or separation. But before a final agreement is reached, the first draft…
Read MoreLet’s Talk Co-Parenting
Early during the divorce or separation process, parents will face the issue of how to handle shared parenting time and finances. In most cases, parents strive towards shared parenting time so that the children can spend time with both parents. The key is to take into consideration each parent’s work schedule, the children’s school schedules,…
Read MoreThe Six Stations of Divorce
As couples divorce, they may experience different phases during the process. In 1970, anthropologist Paul Bohannan proposed a model consisting of six stations, or types, of divorce: EMOTIONAL, ECONOMIC, CO-PARENTAL, COMMUNITY, LEGAL and PSYCHIC. The mediation method is a gentle tool to help guide couples through these stages of the divorce process. THE EMOTIONAL DIVORCE:…
Read MoreNo-Fault Divorce Mediation
Mediation can be used for any divorce, however, most mediation couples will choose the uncontested, no-fault divorce option. In Pennsylvania, a mutual consent no-fault divorce is the cheaper and faster option. CHOOSE NO FAULT. There are several different types of divorces in Pennsylvania. When a couple makes the decision to end a marriage, the decision…
Read More