Listed below is a segment from the recent IACP Forum. The video exemplifies the importance of teamwork in Collaborative family law.
How can you prepare yourself for collaboration or mediation?
Ask yourself why you sought out either process. Remember to keep that reason foremost in your mind. Be prepared to make proposals. Just saying “no” creates impasse. Your spouse cannot read your mind as to what else may be acceptable. Ask for help from your attorney or other support member, coach or financial to help you fashion objectives. Be curious why something seems so important to your spouse. The answer may lead you closer to resolution.
What are extracurricular activities and how are they shared in a divorce ?
“Extracurricular” means outside of the regular program of school courses. It includes sports and separate lessons to prom dresses and tuxedos and everything in between. The list can be quite long and parents have to decide what is included or excluded before they decide how they will share the cost. Will one parent control the decisions or must they be agreed upon? Is there a threshold before a sharing takes place? Do the children have a responsibility for some of the expenses? A lot of time and money can be spent in a divorce in this discussion. It is helpful to be thoughtful of your children’s needs while balancing the financial changes that comes ith any divorce.
Do I have to agree to get a divorce in New Jersey?
Only one party needs to file in New Jersey and pursue a divorce. If parties agree to divorce, even reluctantly, they can select a process that will keep them out of litigation. Either mediation or collaboration will allow parties to stay away from the courthouse which is the most expensive way to get a divorce and leaves couples the most unsatisfied. In mediation or collaboration the goal is to focus on the needs of the parties and their children and with the help of trained professionals to work out a plan that suits them as best as possible under the circumstances.
In an effort to address current health concerns, arrangements can be made for a meeting by telephone or a zoom call. Contact at 732-842-6939 for scheduling. The reduced fee is the same for the first meeting. An information sheet will be emailed to you for completion prior to the meeting.
