[Updated 5/17/2019] Until we adopted our cute, adorable, sweet, lovable pup, I could not fathom the depths of emotion that people experience regarding their pets.  Now that we have Layla, I cannot imagine life without her.  Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a sensitive issue that can arise during a separation or divorce is […]

There was a debate on the radio this morning (I know, I still don’t subscribe to Satellite which irritates my husband to no end) about whether to continue to spend Super Bowl Sunday together after your divorce for the sake of the kids.  The caller explained that it had been a family tradition and the […]

Ending a marriage can be one of the hardest things an individual can experience. If there are children in the middle of the separation, the stress can be even harder to manage; particularly, when you are trying to protect your children. Below are some things you can do today to manage your stress during your […]

In working with divorce mediation clients, I am privy to the emotions and stress most people experience while going through a divorce. Here are a few tips and resources to help restore balance, promote relaxation and instill some calm energy: Try not to read negative articles or social media that focus on negative thoughts, feelings […]

“It must be stressful working with divorcing couples.”  “There must be a lot of drama.”  These are some of the comments I receive when I tell someone I work as a Phoenix Divorce Mediator.  I quickly correct these assumptions about divorce mediation and explain how most couples have a relatively smooth divorce and tend to […]

  Many of my divorce mediation clients express their desire to become happier, healthier and stronger as they move forward from their divorce.  Some start a new exercise program, some take vacations to exotic places, and some start a new career.  I noticed that those mediation clients with a strong, positive mental outlook seem to […]

Holiday time can be exciting, stressful, overwhelming, and/or comforting depending on your holiday traditions.  For many families, it means spending time at different homes, particularly where parents are divorced.  In the movie Four Christmases, a couple struggles to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day, showcasing the trials and tribulations of splitting […]

  The holidays tend to be a time to focus on the positives in our lives.  Personally, I try (though am not always successful) to slow down and take moments all year round to stop and appreciate the “gifts” in my life.  It is very easy to just get caught up in the craziness of […]

  Divorce Mediation doesn’t just mean splitting up.  In my experience, it is not uncommon for couples to reconcile during the mediation process, which is another advantage of mediation over the traditional litigation path.  During mediation, couples are assisted in their communications in a supportive and nonjudgmental manner.  Sometimes this is achieved with the help […]

  As a Phoenix divorce mediator, I am asked a lot of questions about splitting retirement accounts when working with couples navigating a divorce or separation. How do we split a 401(K) versus and IRA? Are there penalties or tax consequences in transferring these assets? What is a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order)? What about […]