March 27, 2024 -   In this video, Clare introduces the idea of using objective standards to evaluate a separation agreement, especially when spouses have differing views on what's fair. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

March 14, 2024 -   In this video, Clare discusses why, even when asked, she refrains from providing a subjective judgment on whether a mediation agreement is fair. She emphasizes that the concept of fairness is highly subjective, and underscores the importance of impartiality and self-determination in mediation, stating that her opinion should not hold more weight than the clients' perspectives.If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out [...]

January 24, 2024 - If you're concerned that you and your co-parent will have some difficulty in implementing the terms of your parenting plan, it's a good idea to include the name of a parent coordinator in your agreement. Having a pre-determined advocate on hand who can help you with that conflict is a good idea for many reasons.  If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

December 13, 2023 -   Although living separately without a legal agreement may seem easier than going through a divorce, two major pitfalls can make things extremely messy if and when you decide to formalize your separation. 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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

November 16, 2022 -   No couple gets married expecting to be divorced, but when creating a prenuptial agreement most couples decide to include a term defining what will be considered marital and separate property. If the couple defines them in a way that limits them, then obviously, there will be limited assets subject to distribution if they do get divorced. If you would like more information about mediation and prenups, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]