When a couple chooses the Collaborative Divorce process, they can expect to have a supported divorce experience. In Collaborative Divorce, the divorce professionals work to keep the divorce contained and ensure the clients feel supported on all issues. Each of the Collaborative Divorce professionals (attorneys, divorce coaches, neutral financial specialists, and neutral child [Read more...] about What Should I Expect in a Collaborative Divorce?
Divorce
Choose How You Want To Walk Through Your Divorce
Divorce can happen in many ways. It can be a slow disintegration of a bond, a life. Or it can be a shock, a sudden explosion that we didn’t see coming. Either way, it may be hard to face this major life decision. If you’re not feeling very strong right now, that’s okay. This is a reminder that you get to choose how you want to walk through this divorce journey. Here are some ideas to counter the [Read more...] about Choose How You Want To Walk Through Your Divorce
Tax Filing Issues in Divorce
Two tax issues frequently need to be addressed in divorce: One, if there are qualifying children, which parent gets to claim the children as dependents? Two, which parent may be entitled to claim Head of Household filing status. The following is a general discussion of the rules. Dependency Exemptions The IRS rules provide that the “custodial parent” is the parent entitled to [Read more...] about Tax Filing Issues in Divorce
Celebrating The Holidays After Divorce With 5 Parenting Tips For Sanity
The first holiday season after a separation or divorce can be difficult and challenging. Powerful memories can be stirred up about the advantages of the traditional two-parent household. It can also be a time for creativity by establishing new traditions for your household and getting the kids involved. This article was originally published on www.collaborativedivorcecalifornia.com on the [Read more...] about Celebrating The Holidays After Divorce With 5 Parenting Tips For Sanity
What is the Vetting Process in Divorce Mortgage Planning?
The term vetting has become commonplace in today's political and business world. But what does vetting mean, and how does it fit into divorce mortgage planning? Vetting means conducting a thorough and diligent review of a person, document, property, investment, or solution. In a divorce setting, vetting the professional divorce team is a critical step to make sure they will not only [Read more...] about What is the Vetting Process in Divorce Mortgage Planning?
Divorce Misconception: Married Parents are Better Parents than Divorced Parents
Your divorce separates you from your spouse in most ways. But if you have children, you are still bound together as parents. Parenting, and especially co-parenting, is a daunting task whether married or apart. But in most cases taking the tension out of the marital relationship allows for a new parent partnership to form. From Marriage Partners to Parenting Partners Some people find [Read more...] about Divorce Misconception: Married Parents are Better Parents than Divorced Parents
Managing Fears During Divorce
Fear is extremely normal and present in almost all situations with divorcing couples. It also can be one of the primary obstacles to a peaceful, efficient resolution in a divorce case. The early stages of separation or divorce are the hardest and scariest because people have had their world shaken, especially the person who didn't decide to end the relationship. There is a lot of [Read more...] about Managing Fears During Divorce
Why Should Someone Want To Stay Out of Court In Their Divorce Case?
There are many reasons someone would want to stay out of court in their divorce case. 1. Being in control of your divorce process You have more flexibility and creativity with settlement options to get each person the most of what's important to them. The best divorce solutions for people are ones that they come up with on their own. In court, the judge makes the decision for you. All the [Read more...] about Why Should Someone Want To Stay Out of Court In Their Divorce Case?
Managing Mental Health During Divorce
Research has shown that out of 49 life events, divorce is the second most stressful experience of a person’s life. The only thing more stressful is the death of a spouse. Getting the right support while in the divorce process is crucial to a person’s mental health and the ability to make good decisions. Help from a Licensed Mental Health Professional Going through the divorce [Read more...] about Managing Mental Health During Divorce
The Many Benefits of Settling a Divorce Outside The Courtroom
The divorce process is often painted as contentious, dramatic, and painful. And while there are certainly divorces that look like this, it does not have to be this way. In fact, most people in California can avoid the worse parts of the divorce process by opting for alternatives to litigation like mediation and collaborative divorce. These options can be beneficial for several [Read more...] about The Many Benefits of Settling a Divorce Outside The Courtroom
How To Deal with the Fear in a Divorce Case
Starting down the divorce path can be daunting. It is normal to be fearful of the unknown and feel overwhelmed. You do not know what to expect, specifically concerning what will be required in terms of time and costs to go through the divorce process. It is also nerve-wracking to not know your financial future. When fear sets in, you can become immobilized. Your ability to hear and [Read more...] about How To Deal with the Fear in a Divorce Case
Divorce and Emotional Stress
Going through a divorce is an emotional process. This is true even if both spouses agree a divorce is in their best interest. When one spouse wants a divorce and the other one does not, it can be even more wrenching. The Collaborative Divorce Process helps address the emotions in a health and constructive manner. How a Collaborative Divorce Can Ease Emotional Stress A [Read more...] about Divorce and Emotional Stress
Divorce and Remarriage
People who remarry after a divorce certainly don’t want their new marriage to fail. They have hopes and dreams of how this marriage will be different. They know what didn’t work and are excited about new passion and possibilities. The couple is determined to not repeat the mistakes of the past and yet few people really take the time to know each other and have those conversations that can [Read more...] about Divorce and Remarriage
It’s Not About The Teapot
My client was deeply invested in keeping the teapot she and her husband had in their home for 25 years. She seriously wanted that old teapot. The collaborative team spent an hour at a 7-way financial meeting negotiating what she would give her husband in exchange for her keeping the teapot. At our debrief after the meeting, one of the attorneys was exasperated, asking “Why would anyone spend that [Read more...] about It’s Not About The Teapot
Divorce: How Do I Tell My Kids?
January is Child Centered Divorce Awareness Month, so it is the ideal time to discuss how to tell your kids that you are getting a divorce. This is always a difficult thing to do but we have some recommendations to help you through this. Both Parents Should Meet Together with the Children Unless there are issues of domestic violence or child abuse, both parents should meet together [Read more...] about Divorce: How Do I Tell My Kids?
Divorce and Social Security Benefits
Social security benefits provide older Americans with substantial financial support. Not every retired person in California receives a pension or has significant personal savings. Therefore, monthly social security deposits help single people and married couples alike. What happens after a divorce, though? Will it impact one’s social security benefits? A person can [Read more...] about Divorce and Social Security Benefits
Divorce: Fear and Change
Filing for divorce is a stressful time. You are putting everything on the line to separate from someone and start a new life. The mere thought of change can paralyze even the bravest among us. Change represents a loss of something familiar and an introduction to something new. You may find yourself fearful of the uncertainty in moving ahead. You are not [Read more...] about Divorce: Fear and Change
Pet Custody During a Collaborative Divorce and How to Handle
During the shelter in place requirements we have all been spending a bit more time with our beloved pet or pets. We see how much light they bring to our days and it raises the question of how we deal with pet custody in a divorce. Not long ago, pets were considered simply property to be divided incident to the divorce. When deciding with whom the pet should live courts would take into [Read more...] about Pet Custody During a Collaborative Divorce and How to Handle
Can a Divorce be Friendly?
For most people, friendly is not the first term that comes to mind when thinking about divorce. However, there are many benefits to keeping friendliness an option when deciding how to handle the process of divorce. Collaborative divorces are completed outside of the courthouse and center on the idea of remaining friendly during the divorce and afterward. 1. Friendly divorce can save you [Read more...] about Can a Divorce be Friendly?
Children of Divorce in The Time of COVID-19
At this time, many children are suffering from the anxiety-producing effects of the invisible COVID-19 virus. I would say many children are also suffering from the anxiety-producing effects of the invisible “virus” of parental conflict related to divorce, custody evaluations, destructive parental emotions and the world of litigation. When there is a high degree of conflict between [Read more...] about Children of Divorce in The Time of COVID-19
We Want a Divorce… What Do We Do Now?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought life to a major slowdown if not a screeching halt. If you contemplated divorce pre-pandemic, four weeks of sheltering in place with your mate may have convinced you divorce is inevitable. With the California Courts closed, a once unclear path is now, even more confusing. We may not know when the court will reopen, but we can be sure it will take some [Read more...] about We Want a Divorce… What Do We Do Now?
The Coronavirus Pandemic and Divorce: What You Need to Know
The Coronavirus or COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on people’s lives and created a great deal of upheaval for so many. But what about people whose lives are already in upheaval because of divorce? The impact varies depending on the type of divorce process. Litigated Process Sacramento County Courts are closed through at least April 16, 2020 for all [Read more...] about The Coronavirus Pandemic and Divorce: What You Need to Know
Buying a New Home When Tied to The Mortgage on The Marital Home
One of the main concerns, when one party is retaining the marital home, is that the vacating or out spouse will not be able to qualify for future mortgage financing while their name remains tied to the current mortgage. This isn’t necessarily so, and we can help our divorcing clients with this issue with the correct verbiage contained in the final divorce settlement agreement. When a [Read more...] about Buying a New Home When Tied to The Mortgage on The Marital Home
5 Insane But True Facts about High Conflict Divorce
from The Huffington Post, published 03/05/2016 Elizabeth Esrey Mediator, Conflict Resolution Specialist and Coach 1. High Conflict Divorce is expensive. The cost of litigating divorce has always been high even with cheaper alternatives, such as mediation and collaborative law, on the rise. Still, litigating a high conflict divorce is expensive. According to an Associated Press [Read more...] about 5 Insane But True Facts about High Conflict Divorce
Understanding Child Support with the Help of a Sacramento-Area Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is always a delicate subject, especially when there are children involved. No matter how amicable and well-intentioned the separation may be, striking a parenting balance that is in the best interests of the children and maintains their relationships with both parents should be approached carefully and purposefully. “Best Interests” This is a difficult time for everyone [Read more...] about Understanding Child Support with the Help of a Sacramento-Area Divorce Lawyer