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 [...]

May 17, 2023 -   Have you spent time thinking about mediation and what it will be like? Are you concerned that mediation may not be for you? Are you mired in past grievances, and afraid you will express your anger or disappointment out loud? Do you believe you are supposed to agree about everything at the end, no matter what? In this video, we examine these “unrealistic” expectations and look at ways to get beyond them and reach a successful conclusion for all parti [...]

May 3, 2023 -   There has been lots of noise on the internet lately about drafting your own separation agreement. Some couples have come in with a piece of paper where they divided the assets and made co-parenting arrangements, but unfortunately, the document has to pass muster under New York law which is very strict. If it doesn’t, your agreement can be voided and you will have to start again. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, [...]

May 1, 2023 -   In this video, I address whether guilt belongs in divorce mediation. Consider several factors: thoroughly evaluating the agreement and its consequences, seeking objective advice to assess fault accurately, and projecting future feelings to avoid potential regrets. Clients ultimately make their own decisions in mediation but are advised to do so with awareness and understanding. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check [...]

April 13, 2023 -   If one party doesn't believe they are receiving what they're entitled to and the other party doesn’t agree to what they seek, your divorce mediation could be in jeopardy. In this video, we look at real issues that could be behind the resistance to or desire for something to which a party believes they are entitled.  If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

March 20, 2023 -   The previous article in this series looked at how a partial buyout might help resolve the issue of today’s higher interest rates complicating your divorce. This article outlines other creative ways to approach the situation, including one called a credit against child support.  If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

March 7, 2023 -   My last article spoke about how high mortgage interest rates could complicate a buyout in your divorce mediation. In the second article of this series, we explore how a partial buyout might be the answer for the person who is not staying in the home but needs to have some cash right away. There are a couple of options that might allow this to work for your divorce. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and family law, check out my website [...]

February 22, 2023 - This article is the beginning of a series about the disposition of the marital home for couples with children. When there are no children in the marriage, the usual plan for a divorcing couple is to sell and divide the proceeds. When there are children, one party may buy out the other in order for the children to remain in their school district, but today’s higher interest rates may complicate the buyout and the divorce.If you would like more information about me [...]

February 8, 2023 -   Going through a divorce isn’t an easy thing and there are times when you can’t sleep worrying about it. Or when your mind is racing and you can’t concentrate. Or strong emotions overwhelm. And this almost always happens when your usual support resources are not available. What do you do? This blog suggests that the practice of meditation may be very helpful. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check ou [...]

January 25, 2023 -   I had a couple who came to mediation from family court. They worked through all the issues of their parenting plan, except for one minor issue. They decided to go back to family court and ask the judge to make the decision for them. Sounds easy, but that’s not exactly how it worked out. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.     [...]

January 10, 2023 -   Do you find yourself using a very negative voice that speaks to you in a way that you would never speak to anyone else? In this video, I offer some insights that I picked up in a meditation on cultivating self-compassion. Taking a moment to stop, take a breath and think of what a friend might say to you can lead to some healthy self-reflection and a more productive discussion with yourself.If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and family l [...]

December 13, 2022 -   A prenuptial agreement isn't in itself fair or unfair — It depends on what the terms are. There are two ways to address the issue of fairness, either through attorney negotiation or mediation. Throughout my series on prenups, I’ve suggested that mediation is the best process for this type of discussion, especially in terms of whether or not you find the terms to be fair. [...]