Effective Co-Parenting: Getting Beyond Conflict for the Sake of the Children
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
5M ago
Most clients that choose mediation or the collaborative law processes prioritize the health and welfare of their children because they understand that their children continue to need their love, support and guidance when separating into two homes.  Sometimes professional help is needed when developing the best possible co-parenting agreement for the children. The agreement addresses how major decisions will be made, day-to-day decisions, support and the parenting schedule moving forward. (This schedule is often referred to as a parenting access plan. Use of the word “visitation” is outdat ..read more
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A Beginner’s Guide to Mediation.
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
9M ago
Mediation has become a common option to resolve issues related to separation and divorce without the need for litigation. It is a preferred choice where individuals want to make their own informed choices rather than have a judge decide. An experienced neutral mediator can facilitate the sometimes-difficult conversations surrounding  financial disentanglement and parenting decisions and access moving forward. Many people have heard of mediation as a means of dispute resolution, but when it comes to how the mediation process works, there are some myths and misconceptions. To help people un ..read more
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Can a Nesting Arrangement Actually Work?
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
1y ago
In the most general sense, a nesting arrangement is one where the children remain in the family home while the divorcing parents take turns living in the family home and in another location. In some of my previous blogs, I have covered the basics of nesting arrangements including what nesting actually means in the co-parenting sense and some common logistical considerations. It is an option that sometimes gains popularity in the media when used in celebrity divorces. When this happens, I often see an increase in clients wondering whether nesting is more of a fad for celebrities, or if the arra ..read more
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Cohabitation Agreements: Can Certain Rights Be Protected for Unmarried Couples?
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
1y ago
I have written at length about the benefits of prenuptial agreements in building a strong marital foundation. While many couples seek the benefits that a prenup can provide, there is an increasing number of couples that choose to live together for the long term without getting married. Although they may not choose to marry, these couples often want the same (or similar) protections that are sought through a prenup. While certain benefits and protections come only with marriage, there are certain issues that can be addressed in a written agreement. Like prenups, cohabitation agreements are inte ..read more
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Co-Parenting after Divorce
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
2y ago
An integral part of a divorce agreement is the custody and parenting piece. Parents are able tailor a unique plan that addresses how co-parenting will work post-divorce. Working cooperatively to develop a plan that reflects the parents’ schedules and the family’s needs helps to alleviate stress and provides stability for the children.  Custody provisions detail how major decisions concerning the children will be made.  Parenting plans can include many details about how the week will work, including: when each parent will be responsible for the children, pick-up/drop-off times and loc ..read more
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What is the Purpose of a Prenup Agreement?
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
2y ago
A Prenuptial Agreement (“Prenup”) is more than just a legally binding contract. Prenups can help create a solid foundation for how the financial aspects of your relationship will work during the marriage. This helps to build trust and effective communication moving forward. That makes it a wise investment. Negotiations should be conducted with a spirit of cooperation and transparency about financial matters. The goal is to enter the marriage with a full understanding of your situation and clarity on expectations. A prenup is a healthy way to establish a balanced perspective and create equality ..read more
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Can I Afford to Get Divorced? The Importance of Understanding Your Marital Finances Prior to Divorce
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
2y ago
Prenups, Post-nups and Separation Agreements are used to address finances and other issues concerning marital rights and obligations. As I have written in the past, prenuptial agreements are an opportunity for couples to have comprehensive discussions about each partner’s finances leading up to the wedding. Additionally, prenups provide an opportunity for the couple to navigate the financial path they would like to take during the marriage. Similarly, post-nuptial agreements afford couples the opportunity to have conversations about finances during the marriage. If a couple is contemplating di ..read more
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Claiming Social Security Benefits after a Divorce
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
2y ago
The divorce process includes negotiating a plan for what will happen to assets and debt as well as the support needs of the family. There are many misconceptions about how social security benefits may be claimed after a divorce. Outlined below are some of the most common misconceptions about social security benefits for ex-spouses and general information on how the process works. The assumption by many individuals is that upon divorce, an ex-spouse is unable to claim social security spousal benefits. However, this may not be the case. As outlined on the Social Security Administration’s website ..read more
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Planning for Marriage During the Pandemic: A postponed marriage may be an opportunity to plan for the future
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
3y ago
The effects of the COVID pandemic are being felt throughout the world in big and small ways.  The impact is seeping into the many aspects of daily life.  As we all adjust to remote attendance at work, school and other activities, the COVID pandemic has brought home the importance of family relationships.  Couples planning their wedding (or expecting to be married soon) have had to rethink the timing and nature of the event.  Romantic partnerships have been tested and priorities reassessed. While some couples have chosen to adjust their wedding plans and are having virtual c ..read more
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Reconcilable Differences: Using a Fact-Based Approach to Separation and Divorce
Family Law Matters Blog
by Deborah Hope Wayne
3y ago
There is a distinction between irreconcilable and reconcilable differences when it comes to separation and divorce.  The focus of this article is on the reconcilable ones.  When the relationship changes to a point where there will be a separation and divorce, there are certain issues that need to be addressed so that both parties can financially disentangle and move on with their lives.  Emotional disentanglement takes time.  When there are children, emotions can be purposefully directed to a cooperative parenting plan so that the children can benefit from the qualities tha ..read more
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