The post Navigating Post-Divorce Communication: The Art of Setting Boundaries appeared first on Gabrielle Hartley ..read more

The post Divorce & Real Estate: Seven Secrets to Protect Your Assets appeared first on Gabrielle Hartley ..read more

How to Prove Alcoholism or Substance Abuse in Divorce and Why It May Be Important Proving substance abuse in a divorce case is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of any children involved and can also influence the court’s decisions regarding financial settlements and custody rights. Divorce is never an easy process, and it becomes even more complex when issues of alcoholism or substance abuse are involved. These issues can significantly impact custody arrangements, property division, and spousal support.   Whether you’re just thinking about divorce, you are in litigation, me ..read more

The Power of Forgiveness: The Best Path to Emotional Freedom The Power Of Self-Forgiveness As an experienced divorce attorney, mediator, and the creator of the Better Apart® Method, I understand that the idea of forgiveness (especially self-forgiveness!) can be challenging, especially when you’re feeling frustrated or angry. It’s natural to feel that way after a divorce or during ongoing conflicts with your ex-spouse. Setting boundaries is a crucial skill in any relationship, but it becomes especially important after a divorce. Boundaries help maintain your mental and emotional well-being w ..read more

Best Custody Plan Guide for your family to be Better Apart® A well-thought-out visitation schedule provides stability and predictability in your children’s lives. In this guide, we will craft the best custody plan.   When navigating the complexities of divorce or separation, whether going to court or working with a mediator, creating the best custody plan that prioritizes the well-being of the children involved is paramount. That is why, the of the most crucial aspects of this plan is determining visitation schedules. A well-thought-out visitation schedule not only ensures that children ..read more

Becoming Truly Better Apart: Healing and Growth Through Divorce Embarking on your divorce journey can be a challenging and emotional.   Deciding to divorce, or realizing that you have no choice but to divorce comes with feelings of uncertainty, heartache, and even fear. While divorce is often sad, and the process may seem daunting, it can also be an opportunity for immense personal growth, healing, and a path to greater peace and happiness. As a divorce mediator, I have witnessed thousands of couples transition through the complexities of divorce. Throughout this journey, I have come to ..read more

Why Forgiveness Matters Whether we’re looking for them or not, life grants us lessons, learnings and understandings at every turn. Since writing Better Apart, we’ve learned that forgiveness is upsetting for many of us, simply because it can feel as though forgiveness means we’re condoning the behavior or circumstance. Sharing here is an excerpt on Forgiveness from Better Apart; The Radically Positive Way to Separate especially when it feels impossible. “Forgiveness is messy and complicated. It’s a cleansing and a release, an ending and a beginning. It’s the letting go of blame; it’s the inv ..read more

Essential Inquiries for Pre-Session/Pre-Mediation Content Adapted for Mediators from The Secret To Getting Along (And Why It’s Easier than You Think) by Gabrielle Hartley, Esq. The extent to which the YES method is utilized and the framing of the below inquiries issues will vary based on the nature of the conflict/ participant. However, in all cases, moving the parties to a framework open to possibilities is the best way to potentially reach a resolution. To resolve any heated discussion, it’s essential to introduce the parties to the idea that taking a step back is the best way forward. Fra ..read more

Becoming Truly Better Apart: Healing and Growth Through Divorce Embarking on your divorce journey can be a challenging and emotional experience. Deciding to divorce, or realizing that you have no choice but to divorce comes with feelings of uncertainty, heartache, and even fear. While divorce is often sad, and the process may seem daunting, it can also be an opportunity for immense personal growth, healing, and a path to greater peace and happiness. As a divorce mediator, I have witnessed thousands of couples transition through the complexities of divorce. Throughout this journey, I have com ..read more

Co-Parenting and Back-to-School: Navigating Drop-Offs with Ease The back-to-school season is a time of excitement and anticipation for children of all ages, but for divorced parents, it can also bring a unique set of challenges.   To truly become Better Apart, coordinating schedules, managing emotions, and fostering open communication become even more crucial during this period.   Whether you’re navigating who gets to be there the first time your kindergartner is greeted by their new all-day caretaker, or deciding who is dropping your now big “little one” off to college, this can b ..read more