Stay together for the sake of the kids? Generations of miserable parents followed that advice, hoping their sacrifices would pay off for their children in the end. Many still believe that it’s the only option for parents stuck in a dead-end marriage. Based on my own personal experience, I have another perspective. Having been raised
In family law mediation, it is not uncommon to hear the parties question their judgment regarding the difficult decision to proceed with divorce. I am often asked by one of the two individuals sitting in my office, “Don’t you think we make a cute couple?” or, “Aren’t we great together?” These are uncomfortable questions in
Money issues – particularly when you don’t have enough of it – spell stress. Stress can cause marital problems, and marital problems can result in divorce. The correlation between income and divorce isn’t quite that clear cut, however. Although a University of California study indicates that financial problems are directly linked to marital problems, other
The first time I learned what divorce meant, I was seven and a half. The year was 1955 and it was my first trip to New York City. My parents had dropped me off to stay overnight with my divorced Grandpa Eddie and his new wife Henrietta. The next day my divorced Grandma Annie would
To some, divorce can be a release. To others, it is a devastating blow. For others still it heralds a new and better beginning. So why does the experience vary so much, and why do men especially seem to struggle with divorce? Yes, that is right, men struggle with divorce. They are not automatons, things
Traditionally couples divorce as adversaries, hiring separate attorneys to wrangle over child custody and support, maintenance, assets and anything else they care about, even the dog. It’s high stakes poker. Ante up: legal costs, kids, stress. But there’s another way. Increasingly couples are turning to divorce mediation as a realistic and healthier alternative. A couple
“Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.” ~William James Conflict is a normal and natural aspect of personal and professional relationships. As human beings, we are primed to respond to stress with a “fight” or “flee”
Children, as much as possible, should be spared from the burden of dealing with the issues of their parent’s divorce. Juggling school and getting kids to after school activities can be very challenging for all parents, but especially so for divorced parents. Read and heed these back to school tips to prevent your child from
One of my memorable claims to fame as a parent was following the school bus on my five-year-old twin’ daughters first day of Kindergarten. Our family lived in a semi-rural area with isolated roads where drivers regularly exceeded the speed limit. Sure enough, on that very special and important morning, the bus driver sped along
Before people in Illinois get married, they can play an active role in managing their assets and properties to protect themselves and their financial future. The manner in which title to property is held can have a dramatic impact on property division when a divorce occurs. As part of this, it is valuable to have
