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 family.

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

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, speak up!

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

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.

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

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 to avoid by mediating.

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

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 family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

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 parties.

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

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, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

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 out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.

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.