While no one sign can 100% predict that your marriage is over, there are some signs that if you see them your marriage may be heading for divorce. As a family law attorney and mediator, I see many different reasons that people end up in my office for a divorce but some of the most common are below. Being aware of the signs is the first step towards fixing your marriage so it’s important to be aware what is going on, and if you do see them, then looking into some individual and/or couples counseling can be a great step to not ending up in my office for a divorce. 1. One of Gottman’s Four Horse ..read more

Marital mediation, also known as couples’ mediation, is a specialized form of mediation aimed at helping couples address and resolve conflicts within their marriage in a way that strengthens their relationship and avoids the need for separation or divorce. The mediation process focuses on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to help couples overcome common issues. Here are three common issues addressed in marital mediation: 1. Communication Problems One of the most common issues that marital mediation addresses isthe lack of effective communication between partners. Many cou ..read more

Why is choosing a local San Diego mediation firm beneficial? Selecting a divorce mediator familiar with San Diego’s legal environment ensures that your divorce process is guided by someone who understands local laws and customs, offering a more relevant and personalized mediation experience. Related Article: You Would Be Surprised How Much a San Diego Divorce Costs Facilitating Communication During the Divorce Process A skilled mediator in San Diego helps maintain open, respectful communication between parties, ensuring that both voices are heard and that negotiations proceed smoothly, which ..read more

Welcome to our series of guest Q&As with divorce experts. As mediators, we often have the opportunity to collaborate with and refer our clients to other talented professionals from various disciplines. We all have a stake in our clients’ well-being, both during and after the divorce proceedings. Meet Darcie Brown, LMFT, an inspiring attorney-turned-full time marriage & family therapist. Darcie offers individual and couples therapy to support the treatment of anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and relationship issues. Darcie sees clients virtually throu ..read more

California’s child support laws are scheduled to undergo major changes in 2024 to create a fairer, more inclusive system. These changes are important for both custodial and non-custodial parents because they will impact child support arrangements. Let’s take a more detailed look at a couple of the more impactful updates: AB 1755 Child Support Guidelines This bill, AB 1755, makes significant changes to the child support system in California, with several key provisions: Repeal of Expedited Support Order Provisions: The bill repeals existing provisions that require a court to make an expedited ..read more

What happens after you file for divorce? It’s a life-altering decision, and how you choose to navigate it can significantly impact your post-divorce life, especially if children are involved. In California, couples have the option to go through mediation instead of the traditional court route, which can offer a more amicable and collaborative way to finalize a divorce. Learn more about what you can expect after filing for divorce in California and why mediation might be the best path for you and your family. What Happens After Filing for Divorce in California Once you’ve made the difficult de ..read more

Divorce, often a word that carries an overwhelming mix of emotions – confusion, uncertainty, and sometimes relief – marks a significant turning point in one’s life. If you find yourself on the cusp of the life-altering decision to file for divorce in Orange County, navigating this journey with as much knowledge and support as possible is essential. While no one anticipates or wishes for their marriage to end in divorce, understanding the process is crucial in making informed decisions that shape a better future. In Orange County, the divorce process involves a legal dissolution of marriage an ..read more

Navigating a co-parenting relationship can be challenging, especially in the wake of separation or divorce. It’s a path that demands careful negotiation, where the ultimate goal is the well-being and happiness of your children. This is where mediation for co-parenting emerges as a useful tool. Unlike the often-confrontational arena of the courtroom, mediation offers a flexible, confidential, and collaborative approach to resolving co-parenting disputes. Commitment & Collaboration Co-parenting, at its core, is about raising children together, irrespective of the personal differences betwee ..read more

If you are at the beginning stages of divorce, then you may have heard the term ‘dissolution of marriage,’ and wonder what it means to dissolve a marriage. In California, the legal term for a divorce is a dissolution meaning the formal, legal ending of a marriage by the court. To dissolve a marriage, there are certain legal steps that you are required to take. First and foremost, the petition must be filed with the court requesting a dissolution (divorce) of marriage. One person is the petitioner, and they will be the ones that sign the initial petition, while the other person is considered t ..read more

When couples decide to part ways in California, an uncontested divorce can be a peaceful and cost-effective option. Unlike a contested divorce, where disagreements lead to court battles, an uncontested divorce occurs when both parties are in alignment (for the most part) on major issues like property division, child custody, and support. This does not mean 100% agreement on all aspects of these major issues – but rather – in a general sense, the parties are aligned with the big picture, but need help hammering out the details. This blog explores the nuances of an uncontested divorce in Califor ..read more