Divorce Mediation
The decision to end a marriage is not made lightly, and often follows a long period of unhappiness and conflict. There are numerous issues that need to be resolved, including: dividing property, who is responsible for which debts, how each adult and child is going to be supported, how the children will be parented, and where the family pets go.
By choosing litigation to end a marriage, spouses are likely in for another year or more of fighting, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars spent on lawyers, only to have the case eventually settle without going to trial (many cases settle, literally, the night before the trial is to begin). Why not, instead, choose to resolve the matter with mediation, a process that is designed for efficient settlement from Day 1?
As a mediator, I can help divorcing couples determine what information needs to be gathered, and will guide the discussion of all topics in a productive and respectful manner. Using interest-based negotiation techniques, I help the parties move beyond the “zero sum game” to enlarge the pie so that each person is able to get more of what is important to him/her, rather than fighting over a limited number of conventional options available in litigation. The result is an outcome that is completely tailored to the needs of the adults and children in the family.
The pace of the process and the agenda for each meeting are determined by the clients, not the court or attorneys’ calendars. Clients may choose to have their attorneys present during mediation, or to obtain their legal advice outside of the mediation room. If additional expertise is needed, such as property appraisals or tax advice, Robin will work with other professionals so that, in the end, everyone is able to make fully informed decisions on an agreement that will stand the test of time.
Testimonials
Robin is a consummate professional of high integrity and will always be my first choice for legal services. In addition to being a legal expert and practitioner of collaborative law, she is always direct, articulate, and motivated to provide the best services and advice to her clients.Steve DeGloria
Articles
Gray Divorce
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.
ON-LINE MEDIATION NOW AVAILABLE
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.
Divorce Now or Later? Timing Matters!
Changes in the U.S. tax law, effective January 1, 2019, may have significant impacts on the financial consequences of your separation or divorce.
Negotiate in Mediation for What You Need -- And Get It.
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.
Cohabitation Mediation - What I Wish I'd Known Before Moving in Together
Much less planning goes into cohabitation than into a wedding, but it is, in many ways, a bigger legal, financial and emotional step.