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Mediation is designed to be a less adversarial process than going to court in a divorce, and many people wonder if involving a lawyer is necessary. While it’s not required, having legal guidance will benefit you during the process. Why You Should Consider a Lawyer Although mediation encourages you to reach a mutual agreement, your lawyer can make sure that you have a full understanding of your legal rights. A mediator is neutral and can explain the law, but they cannot give you specific legal advice. Without legal advice, you may agree to something that doesn’t serve your best interests or leaves you unprotected in the future. A lawyer can help you: Should Your Lawyer Attend the Mediation? It’s not mandatory for your lawyer to…

When high-profile celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck get married without a prenup, you might wonder, “If they didn’t need one, why should I?” The truth is, their financial situations and planning are likely far different from yours, and that’s exactly why a prenuptial agreement could be important for you. The Hidden Financial Factors While it might seem like Jennifer and Ben didn’t bother with a prenup, their wealth may be protected in other ways—like trusts, corporations, or estate planning that shields their assets. For most people, these kinds of financial structures are not in place, which leaves a lot more at risk if the marriage ends in divorce. Without a prenup, everything you’ve worked hard for—your savings, your property, and even your future…

Mediation is a great way to settle family disputes, but how you communicate with your mediator plays a big role in the process. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to help you to work through your mediation successfully. Do’s: Effective Ways to Communicate Don’ts: What to Avoid Conclusion Effective communication with your mediator is one of the keys to a successful Mediation process. By following these guidelines, you help to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of you, your spouse and your family.  By keeping your communication professional, focused, and timely, you can ensure that the mediation process will be as smooth and constructive as possible. Contact Family Ally At Family Ally, we’re dedicated to helping families navigate disputes with expert…

One of the toughest things that you will have to do in your divorce is to tell your kids. Talking to them about the changes that are coming can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can help them understand and adjust more easily. Here’s how to approach this sensitive conversation with care and clarity. Tailor the Conversation to Their Age The way you discuss your divorce with your children should depend on their age and emotional maturity. Younger kids, for instance, may only need to know that they will be loved and cared for, even as the family dynamics change. For them, simple explanations like “We’re going to be living in different houses, but we both love you very much” are often sufficient….

One of the best things you can do for yourself while going through a divorce is to minimize your social media activity. Anything you post online can potentially be used as evidence in your divorce case. Photos of expensive dinners, vacations, or new purchases might raise questions about your financial situation, which could impact alimony or child support negotiations. Even seemingly innocent posts can be misinterpreted, so it’s best to stay off social media as much as possible. Divorce brings a lot of emotional stress, and social media can make things even more complicated if you’re not careful. Here are some additional tips for managing your online activity while going through the divorce process. Avoid Discussing Your Divorce Never post about your divorce on social…

One of the primary causes of divorce is a breakdown in communication between spouses.  You and your spouse can’t hear what the other is saying anymore.  One of the advantages of a Collaborative Divorce is that part of the team includes a mental health neutral, who serves as a communication coach to help both sides hear and understand what the other is saying. Here’s how having a communication coach can be a game-changer for you and your spouse during this difficult time. Facilitating Productive Discussions One of the most significant advantages of having a communications coach is their ability to facilitate conversations between you, your spouse, and your attorneys. When emotions run high, it can be difficult to stay focused on the issues at hand….

When considering Mediation as an option for resolving your family law issues, one of the common questions is, “How much will Mediation cost?” The cost of Mediation can vary widely depending on several factors. Here’s what you need to know to get a better idea of what to expect. 4 Factors Affecting the Cost of Mediation To keep your mediation costs as low as possible, the key is preparation. The more organized and prepared you are, the more efficient the Mediation process will be. Make sure you have all necessary documents ready and provide them to the mediator in advance. This allows the mediator to review everything before the session, minimizing wasted time during the meeting. Additionally, being clear and decisive about your goals and…

The thought that someone else making decisions about your life in your divorce can be overwhelming. However, there are ways to take control of your future during the divorce process to ensure that the decisions made are tailored to your unique situation. By focusing on out of court options such as Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, you can avoid leaving your fate in the hands of a judge who is not fully understanding of your family’s needs. Why Settling is Key If you want to control your future in a divorce, the best way to do so is through a settlement of your case. Whether it’s an informal discussion, a settlement at the courthouse, Mediation, or Collaborative Divorce, settling gives you more control over the outcome….