Cohabitation Mediation Santa Barbara

Cohabitation Mediation

An increasing number of couples are choosing to live together without getting married. What they may not think about is what consequences flow from the very act of cohabiting, and the difficulties that can arise if the couple breaks up or one partner dies: who keeps the house or apartment if you split; how does the property get divided; will the survivor inherit anything if a partner dies, or will it all go to the dead partner’s family; if one partner has stayed out of the workforce to care for children or the other partner, will there be any support if they split; etc.

Couples Living Together

Cohabitation Mediation for Couples Living together in Santa Barbara

I have extensive experience working with gay, lesbian, and straight couples who choose to live together without marriage, or who are unable to be married. I help clients arrive at agreements that will give them the protections that the law does not otherwise provide. When domestic partners separate, I can assist them to sort out those same issues and the legal consequences of their separation.

Testimonials

I gladly offer my highest possible praise for Robin Masson. As I've said over the years many times, I'm almost sorry I haven't had more work for her, such is her professional excellence.
Abby Nash, Owner
Malabar Enterprises

Articles

Gray Divorce

By Robin Masson on Jun 29, 2021 in Divorce Mediation

Many of the divorces I mediate are for couples in their 50's or 60's, known as "Gray Divorces". The emotional, financial, and social issues involved make these divorces particularly suited to the creativity and flexibility inherent in mediation, rather than the "one size fits all" approach of litigation.

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ON-LINE MEDIATION NOW AVAILABLE

ON-LINE MEDIATION NOW AVAILABLE
By Robin Masson on Mar 28, 2020 in Cohabitation Mediation, Divorce Mediation

In these time of social distancing, I am offering on-line conflict resolution services using Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts. Call to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

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Divorce Now or Later? Timing Matters!

Divorce Now or Later?  Timing Matters!
By Robin Masson on Jul 31, 2018 in Divorce Mediation

Changes in the U.S. tax law, effective January 1, 2019, may have significant impacts on the financial consequences of your separation or divorce.

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Negotiate in Mediation for What You Need -- And Get It.

Negotiate in Mediation for What You Need -- And Get It.
By Robin Masson on Jul 22, 2017 in Divorce Mediation

Face it: most of us are not very good at asking others for what we need. We tend to come off as either too aggressive or wishy-washy. Moreover, when we're in conflict, our asking skills tend to deteriorate into either demanding bitchiness or passive-aggressiveness that descends into resentment. Not a good look, on anyone.

But, there's a way to ask for what you need and to enlist others in giving it to you, by being respectfully assertive. It requires communicating clearly what your needs are, how others' behavior affects you, and enlists others in satisfying your needs.

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Cohabitation Mediation - What I Wish I'd Known Before Moving in Together

Cohabitation Mediation - What I Wish I'd Known Before Moving in Together
By Robin Masson on Jun 09, 2017 in Cohabitation Mediation

Much less planning goes into cohabitation than into a wedding, but it is, in many ways, a bigger legal, financial and emotional step.

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