Articles
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Judge Orders Joint Custody…Of Dog
Is there a trend developing toward pet-custody rulings? Probably not. A Maryland judge, though, made just such a determination in a case profiled in a recent Virginia Lawyers weekly article:
Call it the Calvert County Canine Custody Case.
As they headed toward divorce, Gayle and Craig Myers had only one bone of contention: Who would [...]
10
Happier Endings Through Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative Divorce has gained great momentum in Northern Virginia over the past few years. A recent article in D Magazine, “Happier Endings Through Collaborative Divorce,” describes how this process of legally ending marriages in a non-confrontational, openly communicative way, is experiencing similar popularity in Texas:
Kristin and Rob McCollum are sitting outside at the Highland [...]
1
Jewish Divorce and Collaborative Law
In an article for the Collaborative Law Insitute of Texas’ blog, Houston divorce attorney, Norma Levine Trusch tells us how traditional Jews can benefit from Collaborative Divorce:
Religious Jews, like Catholics, face a unique problem when divorcing: a civil divorce alone does not release them to remarry. The parties require a release by a [...]
7
5 Reasons That May Make Divorce Unavoidable
There are five reasons that may make divorce unavoidable:
1. Physical abuse in a relationship is not something an abused partner has to live with.
2. Emotional abuse (which, by the way, often turns into physical abuse) is another relationship stressor.
3. Alcohol or drug abuse by one or both of the partners is not something that [...]
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What Do Financial Neutrals Do On A Collaborative Divorce Team?
In Fairfax, as well as throughout Northern Virginia, in many Collaborative Divorce cases, a professional “team” is utilized. Oftentimes, one of the team members is a financial professional, such as a CPA or a CFP, who will gather, organize and help you understand the financial information relating to your divorce.
Financial professionals are [...]
10
What Sorts of Clients Are Not Good Candidates For Collaborative Divorce?
Divorce clients tend not to be good candidates for the Collaborartive Process if they are:
Still in denial about the divorce;
So angry at the other spouse that a four-way meeting would be unproductive;
Unable to adhere to guidelines for collaborative communications (e.g., constantly interrupting or engaging in namecalling);
Afraid of the other spouse because of his/her abusive or [...]
4
Is The Collaborative Process A Faster Way To Get A Divorce?
Your situation determines how quickly your divorce process proceeds. However, many divorcing couples in Northern Virginia are finding Collaborative Divorce can be more direct and efficient.
By focusing on problem-solving—instead of blame and grievances—there’s an opportunity to strive for respectful results. Full disclosure and open communications assure you cover all the issues in [...]
27
How Does A Collaborative Divorce Differ From A Litigated Divorce?
Divorcing couples in Northern Virginia are finding the collaborative process differs from litigation in many ways, including the following:
Control
In collaborative, you and your spouse agree not to go to court. This gives you and your spouse control of the process and outcome versus litigation, where a judge makes the final decision.
Collaboration
Instead of the win-lose court [...]
22
More Couples Choose “Friendly” Divorce
More and more spouses in Northern Virginia are utilizing the collaborative process as they seek a more amicable way to divorce than litigation. An article from the Toronto Sun tell us just how collaborative divorce can be a “friendlier” divorce option:
Alex Crookes knew he was in for a divorce with a difference the minute [...]
19
Mediation Helps Families Find Parenting Solutions
An Op-Ed in yesterday’s New York Times, by a marriage and family therapist, indicates, as many divorcing families in Fairfax, and throughout Northern Virginia, have found, mediation helps divorcing families find parenting solutions that best meet the needs of all concerned:
As we have just passed the 40th anniversary of that much vilified institution, [...]