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How to Handle Non-Marital Property in Divorce Mediation
If you get an inheritance while married, there is always the question of whose money it is. The courts can decide one thing, and you can do something else in mediation. As long as both parties agree to it, you can decide to make this marital money instead of just one person’s (non-marital). often a…
Read MoreBudgeting and Finance in Divorce Mediation
Finances is one of the most difficult areas of dispute in divorce mediation. Many problems in marriage and divorce can come down to power and control issues. The most common place for power and control issues to play out is money: who gets to spend, how much, and when. It is not uncommon to have…
Read MoreGetting to Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is a good thing, if you need to divorce. It’s better for you, better for the kids, and you’re not ripping each other’s reputations to shreds via attorneys. You can start your post-marriage life cooperating, not antagonizing. It’s a great role model for your kids. But what if you and your ex are…
Read MoreWhere to Begin? Divorce Mediation Explained.
Where do you begin with a divorce? It’s best to begin with divorce mediation. Most courts will require you try mediation whether you have an attorney or not. So if you go to court most judges and referees will order you to try mediation. Why not try divorce mediation first, before you go to court…
Read MoreSpring Cleaning? Maybe It’s Time for Divorce Mediation.
Despite the snowflakes yesterday, spring is coming to Minnesota! It’s the time of year when many choose to do spring cleaning of their houses and yards. It’s also a time when folks have more energy to “move on” in their personal lives. If you are moving on into divorce, consider divorce mediation: it’s better for…
Read MoreMore Divorce Mediation Issues
The hardest part of divorce mediation issues is that what is an issue to one partner or parent or spouse may not be to the other. But it is precisely because one person has a problem that the other person doesn’t acknowledge that leads to a breakdown in a relationship. Divorce mediation can help with…
Read MoreDivorce Mediation Issues
What are the main issues in divorce mediation? There are many the courts are concerned about, but the most important issue for MN courts is the best interests of the children. What works for the kids, even if it’s more difficult for the adults, rules. Of course, there are exceptions, because if you make divorced…
Read MoreHow to Handle Personal Property Division
Folks often ask me, “Why all the bother about personal property?” After all, it’s all our stuff and we got it all divided up as we wish. Why does the judge or referee care what I do with my stuff? The answer is simple. The judge is concerned about fairness. That’s why I have folks…
Read MoreWhat to Bring to Mediation
Clients often ask me, “What do I bring to mediation?” My answer is, eventually you bring everything: anything that proves the amounts of salary, assets, retirement accounts etc. But not right away. The most important thing to bring to mediation is yourselves, in a reasonable shape to mediate. That means sleeping well (if possible), don’t…
Read MoreDivorce Mediation and Shortening the Process
Divorce Mediation or Separation Mediation can be a longer process if you have a lot of possessions to divide or have a lot of children, especially with a large age range. It helps you a great deal if you can figure a few things out before you come in to see me. It is fastest…
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