November 29, 2023 -   We all have regrets — words and actions we would like to take back, but can’t. However, this blog references an article by Daniel Pink in the NY Times Well Newsletter. Pink explains a 3-step process that can help you gain valuable insights from your regrets and keep you from repeating them as you move forward. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.   [...]

November 15, 2023 -   It is usually a wise practice to have an attorney review the separation agreement worked out during the mediation process. The question arises as to whether the attorney should be mediation-friendly or not. This video looks at both sides of that question and offers some guidance on what you can expect from either type of attorney.If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

October 25, 2023 - The past couple of videos have dealt with mediating your divorce if there are trust issues with your spouse. The most distressing and emotional trust issue is, of course, infidelity. A successful mediation will require you to focus on what your spouse is saying, not how you feel. And most importantly, you must base everything on the best interests of your entire family, including the unfaithful spouse. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and fa [...]

October 11, 2023 -   In my last video, we explored the viability of mediating if you can not trust your spouse. In this video, we question whether the trust issue is due to financial impropriety. If you're receiving support, are you afraid the other person isn't going to pay it? Will the agreed-upon terms actually be implemented? If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

September 27, 2023 -   You would think that a lack of trust would definitely make your mediation really tough, if not impossible, but it can be done and a settlement reached. Some couples even find their way to begin the process of rebuilding some of the trust that was lost. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.   [...]

September 19, 2023 -   Pay maintenance in a very short-term marriage? Pay the same amount of maintenance even when income is decreased? Pay maintenance even when a spouse remarried? Agree to share income equally for the rest of your lives? Why would someone agree to do something like that? If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.  [...]

August 23, 2023 -   As a significant other who went through the process of being introduced to my husband’s family, I feel I can share what was a very positive experience for me. The reason relationships formed the way they did had to do with the personalities of everyone involved being open to these relationships. That doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult for some couples, but this video outlines four factors that may help ease the transition into being a blended [...]

August 8, 2023 -   There are times in mediation when you may want to speak with the mediator about an issue like the mediation is not progressing as expected. It is perfectly fine to reach out to the mediator with your concerns. If you are concerned about your safety — contact the mediator immediately and let them know. If the situation is sensitive, the mediator may suggest a caucus where they will meet with each of you individually. Most importantly, if you have a concern [...]

July 26, 2023 -   Are you feeling like something is a little off in your mediation? This video advises you to bring it up and put it on the table during your session. If you ignore it and sign an agreement, you've lost your opportunity to address it constructively. When in doubt, speak up! If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

July 13, 2023 -   Having very different ideas about the value of your home can create difficulties when you try to sell. Including language in your agreement establishing the lowest offer you will accept can help. It doesn't negate the usual give-and-take you would have with a buyer and will only apply if you don't otherwise agree. Possible problems can arise in the future, so talk about them now while you're in mediation, and can address them together.  If you would like [...]

June 21, 2023 -   If you're talking about jointly owning your home after your divorce, you want to factor into your agreement a lot of detail, including the time or circumstance that will trigger listing your home. You can select a specific date in the future or base the listing upon an event, such as when your youngest has finished the first year of college. If the detail is not in the agreement, and something happens, you could end up in court, and that is what you're trying t [...]

June 7, 2023 - A couple of topics came up in a peer group that I run for divorce mediators that took the discussion to a more personal rather than professional level. The topics were raised by two members of the group who had suspended their careers during the time that they were raising their children, resulting in lost opportunities. They embarked on new careers. But what cannot be regained is those lost opportunities. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and [...]