Ethan Couch and "Affluenza" Why is it that everyone seems to be struggling so with the Ethan Couch story? Sadly, there are alcohol fatalities on the roadway far too often, but what is it about this one that is even more inflaming to our senses? There is something about it that just seems to go far beyond the boundaries of reason. Of course, there is the fact that this “child” used a defense called … [Read more...]
Can You Get A Divorce AND Have Happy Holidays?
I just returned from the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals 16th Annual Educational Forum, and I heard one participant say, “Litigation teaches clients how to litigate, and they end up doing it again and again (modifications), whereas in a Collaborative Divorce clients learn how to resolve conflict and issues so that they can move on without having to ‘re-litigate’ their issues … [Read more...]
The Impact of Conflict on Children
I am attending the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals 16th Annual Educational Forum in Washington, D.C. Donna Hicks, Ph.D., an associate at the Weatherford Center for International Affairs at Harvard and author of the book, “Dignity,” is our keynote speaker tomorrow night. Of course, because she works primarily in the field of international relations, much of her book is about … [Read more...]
Building Resilient Children in Today’s Challenging World
I am excited to announce that I have signed on to do an article in the new Denton Independent School District magazine, which will be hitting “news stands” (now known as social media) in the next few weeks. I am beginning this series of articles with a piece written by Australian Psychologist, Justin Coulson. He has been kind enough to give me permission to reprint his article in the new DISD … [Read more...]
10 Things to Remember With Children in Divorce
10 Things to Remember When Telling the Children About Your Divorce I remember today, fifty years later, walking in on my grandparents when one said, “Well, maybe we should just get a divorce.” That is one of the most vivid memories of my childhood. I was very close to my grandparents, as they cared for me each day while my parents worked, but still they were JUST my grandparents. I can only … [Read more...]
How to Have an Emotionally Safe Divorce
The Emotional Safety of a Collaborative Divorce In reading an article in this morning’s newspaper, I found a quote that sets out one very good reason why the Collaborative Divorce Process is better for most families than litigation. Litigation is what a trial is called, either before a judge or before a jury, and the rules of the game in litigation are to present evidence as to why the other side … [Read more...]
Ebby Halliday – The Modern American Woman
Ebby Halliday and the Modern American Woman and Family I never met Ebby Halliday in person, but anyone who lives in North Texas certainly feels like they know her personally because her face and brand is so well-known. The success of her brand could be a lesson to anyone who studies marketing and branding. As I read the front page article about her today in the Dallas Morning News, I learned … [Read more...]
High Conflict Personalities & TV News Murders
High Conflict Personalities Can Boil Over Into Dangerous and Deadly Situations To begin, I must say I do not pretend to have answers for this problem, but I do know someone who does, and I want to share him and his wisdom with you. The recent on-air shootings of Alison Parker and Adam Ward, who were employees of WDBJ in Virginia, bring to the forefront what Bill Eddy of the High Conflict … [Read more...]
Ashley Madison… A Tragedy?
Can Anything Good Come From the Ashley Madison Tragedy? Ashley Madison is a tragedy--not because names have been revealed on a hacker's website, but because of what that security breach will do to relationships and families. However, I believe the answer to the question “Can Anything Good Come From The Ashley Madison Tragedy” may be “Yes.” In my experience in over thirty years as a divorce … [Read more...]
Do You Love Your Child Enough to Co-Parent with your Ex?
I have heard many clients say, “I would step in front of a train to save my children.” Most parents would die for their children, but, sadly, many are not willing to do the hard work to forge a good relationship with their ex for the sake of their children. What that says is that being nice to their ex may be harder for them than stepping in front of a moving train. And maybe it is, but my … [Read more...]
