Divorcing Clients frequently comment on the how, even when there is an agreement, the Court finalization ceremony feels cold and empty of compassion. The clients who attend the five or so minute finalization proceeding in Court comment that the process leaves them feeling like something is unfinished.  And the ones who do not attend the Court proceeding are not even aware of when the … [Read more...]

While many lawyers, counselors, financial professionals and judges are familiar with and support Collaborative Divorce, one of the greatest challenges continues to be informing the public that they have options other than litigating their divorce in court. Pauline Tesler, one of the pioneers of the out-of-court option known as Collaborative Divorce recently authored an article for the American … [Read more...]

Around the world, and especially with clients who are informed and want to protect their families, Collaborative Divorce is becoming the Choice of Informed and Insightful Clients. After practicing law for nearly 40 years, with my focus primarily in the family law arena, I have seen a sea change in couple’s thinking.  I guess, after doing a large number of successful Collaborative Divorce … [Read more...]

April is “Autism Acceptance Month.” Prior to 2021, this acknowledgement was called “Autism Awareness Month,” but as we have begun to learn more about autism and what it means to be “on the spectrum” of autism, we have learned that being on that spectrum is like a rainbow – there are many variations of abilities and inabilities, challenges and yet special gifts that people on the spectrum bring … [Read more...]

“How to tell your children about your divorce?” is one of the toughest questions parents will ever face. When I was a little girl, I walked in from the yard into my grandparents’ kitchen and overheard one of them say, “Maybe we should get a divorce.” I was lucky – it was my grandparents, not my parents, so even if they got a divorce, I was able to go home each night to an intact family … [Read more...]

Abraham Lincoln said: “Discourage litigation.  Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.  Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, expenses, and a waste of time.  As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man.  There will still be business enough.” Do you want an attorney who is a problem-solver or a … [Read more...]

I regularly have new clients who have misconceptions about what mediation is. This piece, while making some comparisons and contrasts to other states, is focused on what Mediation looks like in Texas. What IS Mediation? Mediation is a dispute resolution process. Mediation was referenced as far back as the Bible but most people don't know too much about what it actually is. Clients usually … [Read more...]

Failing to educate yourself about the process options that might be workable and more efficient can really cost you in all sorts of ways. Lisa Decker, a Certified Financial Divorce Analyst, uses this quote she heard from a Family Court Judge, to explain why clients should not rush into a divorce without seriously considering their process options. For example, many people do not realize that … [Read more...]

While over 90% of cases (some studies say 95%) are settled before they actually go to trial, clients should ask themselves a very important question: What is the quality of our settlement? Most clients do not know the importance of asking this question.  It can determine their future and their children’s future.  Why? It is true the over 90% of cases settle before actually going … [Read more...]

As I said in Part 1 of this series, “Breaking Up is Hard to To Do,” I have found that information is empowering for people going through marital conflict or a divorce.  Sometimes just knowing WHY you are feeling like you are, or the physiological and psychological reasons for it, can help you manage it better. I have come to believe that when people find a counselor that is the right fit … [Read more...]