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People get heated about finances.  They become especially angry about child support and any delay in the payment of child support.  Such feelings are understandable.  The anger and strong emotions felt during the stressful time when no support is being paid causes many people to run to the cour...

The holidays are over.  While the holiday season is one of joy, anticipation, excitement, etc., it is also a time of stress for some.  Many people take time during the holidays to analyze what they want in life and how they are going to alleviate stress and change.  Many people come to the conc...

Similar to the grieving process, there are emotional stages that a person will go through upon learning that their marriage is over. This post will focus on the Emotional Stages of Divorce. The team members of your divorce can help you as you work through the following stages: Shock and disbe...

In the world of divorce professionals, language such as pre-decree and post-decree is used.  This can confuse clients and potential clients. This post will focus on What does pre- and post-decree mean? What does pre- and post-decree mean? Pre-Decree: Pre-decree includes anything that occurs pri...

This post will highlight the benefits of Collaborative Divorce Cases In Illinois. Below are examples of the benefits of Collaborative Divorce shared by members of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals: An Atlanta couple of 16 years entered into a ‘new' relationship with th...

Are you considering joint vs. sole custody?  Are you able to accept that you are no longer husband and wife, but you are a father and a mother?  Being able to put your differences aside and communicate about the issues concerning your children is necessary to joint parent. This post will focus on...

There are times when mediation of a family issue between two parties is not possible.  The mediator must have the appropriate skills to screen the parties and determine that one or both of the parties cannot proceed with mediation.  Termination of mediation can occur if there are issues re: dom...

Clients and court ordered parties of mediation often wonder about the cost of mediation.  If the court sent me here, why do I have to pay for it?  If my spouse and I are the ones agreeing to settle, why do I have to pay for it? This post will focus on the cost of mediation. The hourly fee for ...

Mediation is a wonderful alternative to courtroom litigation. The parties of a dispute control the decision-making process with the assistance of a neutral party (the mediator). This post will focus on what is Family Mediation. Family Mediation: No Court The mediator is not a judge and will n...

During a consultation, a client wants to learn an attorneys hourly rate, the retainer amount, and how much the whole thing is going to cost.  Sure, they listen to the explanation of the divorce or custody process, they ask questions about “what they can get”, but what they really walk away reme...

Ending a relationship is difficult. There will be sadness, grief, and some long nights to endure. Friends and family can and will provide support during this difficult time. As much as you will need your family and/or friends, you will also need someone to help you cut through the fog and think...