Adjusting Parenting Arrangements After A Move

Custody disputes arising after one parent moves away can be some of the most “intractable” conflicts often leading to arbitration or litigation.  It’s a tough issue; it’s often hard to find a grey zone, or room for settlement between the parties, because it usually appears to be an all-or-nothing scenario.

Such situations tend to come up when one parent either accepts a job in another area or moves to be closer to a new partner. Often, the resettlement can disrupt an established shared parenting arrangement that's been in place for years.

In this blog posting April Cunningham writes that it’s important for parties to understand that in any dispute that goes to court, the judge will consider what is in the best interests of the child.  Courts consider job circumstances, family support and other factors in custody and access decisions when one parent moves away, but all in all it comes down to what's best for the children.  Mediation helps parents consider possible alternative parenting arrangements.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Divorce Mediator

Choosing a divorce mediator is the first agreement divorcing spouses make together at the beginning of the divorce mediation process.  It will be one of the most important decisions spouses reach during their divorce.

In divorce mediation you will discuss issues that are personal, sensitive, and emotional.  You will cover financial and legal issues.  There will be times you communicate about important family issues.  You will consider your thoughts and feelings as you reach agreements and create your own divorce terms.  All the time the divorce mediator you choose will guide you along the way.

In this blog posting, John Mlnarik offers five essential mediator qualities that spouses should consider  before choosing a divorce mediator.

If you or someone you know could benefit from assistance in decision making during a divorce, contact Falmouth Mediation at 508-566-4159 for a free, no-obligation, private, confidential consultation. We will be happy to discuss the key details of your situation, address any concerns, and help you decide if divorce mediation would be beneficial.

Four Points You Should Know About Divorce and Taxes

Filing taxes is a reality that adults across the United States face each year. For many, it can feel like a painful task.

However, filing taxes can be much more complicated and stressful when paired with a recent divorce or separation. Before you get started, this blog posting offers 4 points you should know about divorce and taxes.

• Know your filing status.
• Figure out who can claim the children.
• Consider the difference between child support and spousal support.
• Get help from a divorce financial or tax professional.

Divorce and taxes are two terms that make many people cringe whenever they think about either, but they are two realities for so many adults. Understanding the right points involved with these two issues and getting the help you need when you don't understand something is a major factor towards succeeding with both divorce and taxes.

Divorce Mediation Should Be First Choice for ALL Couples

I've believed this for a long time ... but I'm obviously prejudiced.  It's nice to read this from someone else - in this case Ken Schreiber

1. Mediation Reduces Tension-
2. Mediation is less costly.
3. In mediation, you control the discussion and the outcome. 
4. In mediation, there is greater confidentiality.
5. Mediation allows for better relationships after divorce. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from assistance in decision making during a divorce, contact Falmouth Mediation at 508-566-4159 for a free, no-obligation, private, confidential consultation. We will be happy to discuss the key details of your situation, address any concerns, and help you decide if divorce mediation would be beneficial.

What Should You Look For in a Divorce Mediator?

Going through a separation or divorce is a major life event, so you want to be sure that the mediator you choose to help you navigate this event is supportive, knowledgeable and empathetic. You should have a sense of confidence that this person will be able to handle all the issues that may arise during the mediation in a calm and competent manner.

In this blog posting, Susan Ingram describe some of the ways to ascertain whether your soon-to-be hired mediator possesses the qualities to do the best job possible for their clients.

If you or someone you know could benefit from assistance in decision making during a divorce, contact Falmouth Mediation at 508-566-4159 for a free, no-obligation, private, confidential consultation. We will be happy to discuss the key details of your situation, address any concerns, and help you decide if divorce mediation would be beneficial.