How can considerable separate assets owned by one spouse impact the equitable distribution of marital property? In mediation, it's up to the couple to determine what they consider equitable, rather than leaving it to a judge or lawyers. This can be approached in several ways, but no matter what a couple decides, they must involve a financial professional to assess the implications of their different options.

For more information about mediation, divorce, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

Clare Piro, a family and divorce mediator and attorney, advises against pressuring a spouse into choosing a mediator they don't like. Instead, she suggests identifying the qualities each of you seeks in a mediator and using those criteria to evaluate potential mediators. If your spouse continues to reject all options, it might raise questions about their willingness to engage in good faith mediation. In that case, you may need to reassess if mediation is the right path forward.

If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

Clare Piro, a family and divorce mediator and attorney, emphasizes the importance of creating a child-focused parenting plan rather than getting stuck on labels like 50/50 custody or primary residential parent. She suggests shifting the conversation towards understanding the children's needs and considering factors, such as their developmental stage, activities, and preferences for structure or flexibility. Practical considerations like living arrangements and proximity also play a crucial role.

If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

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.

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 my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the idea that the only constant in life is change. Or to put it another way, the only thing you can count on is change. There will be times when one parent wants to make a change to the co-parenting holiday schedule. This video lists two “don’ts” that you should observe if one parent is suggesting a change, especially during the holidays.

If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

Most divorces involve long-term marriages where there are many assets and possibly children to be considered. But what about a short-term marriage, especially when there are no children? Should you mediate the divorce or just let your lawyers hash out the terms? That might seem easier but it usually takes much longer and costs a lot emotionally and financially.

If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

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.

In this video, I reflect on the end of the year, sharing my unique approach to the New Year. In place of resolutions, I look back on the past year, emphasizing two concepts: impermanence and gratitude. Though looking back may seem odd to some, it can bring comfort and ideas for the future. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

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.