The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals wants you to discover the collaborative process and whether collaborative divorce is right for you. To that end and for a limited time, the IACP has created a kit that answers many of the…
Using a financial advisor to settle your divorce case
Citywire explains the role of the financial specialist in collaborative divorce cases. Keith G Churchouse writes (excerpt): Collaborative Divorce is neither mediation nor arbitration. It is a new way of settling divorce, where you seek what is right for each…
How to fire a client
The ABA Journal includes advice what to do when you have to fire a client, usually for not paying legal fees, leaving out important facts and documents, having unrealistic expectations, or being uncooperative or unethical. Brian Sullivan writes (excerpt) 1.…
Customizing your divorce through collaboration instead of fighting in court
KDKA reports on the benefits of collaborative divorce and the growing number of couples seeking divorce with dignity. Sonni Abatta reports (excerpt): It’s divorce without the judge. The collaborative divorce takes that third party out of the process and keeps…
The Shocking Truth! What you need to know about the toys in your home
CNN and Mental Floss spread the true life stories behind some America’s favorite toys! Tim Moodie’s article highlights: 1. How the Slinky got stuck between a cult and a mid-life crisis (Betty James took over the company her husband founded–the…
How to save your marriage after an affair
The AP and Ithaca Journal discuss marriage after an affair, including the sacrifices required of each spouse to avoid divorce. Melissa Kossler Dutton writes (excerpt): Repairing a relationship requires openness and candor from the person who cheated. “He has to…
Quick facts on the Economic Stimulus Package
The Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act (February 13, 2008) is the federal “rebate” program highlighted in the media recently. Who will receive rebate checks? 1. Americans who paid income taxes in 2007 will receive at…
Simon says: Persuading with pleasure
The New York Times explains how mimicry aids persuasion, if well done. Benedict Carey writes (excerpt): The technique involved mirroring a person’s posture and movements, with a one- to two-second delay. If he crosses his legs, then wait two seconds…
Vaccinate your marriage, stop your divorce: Date with dopamine and norepinephrine
The New York Times shows that old dogs can learn new tricks, especially in matters of love and marriage. Tara Parker-Pope writes (excerpt): Rather than visiting the same familiar haunts and dining with the same old friends, couples need to…
Seeking a name change after your divorce?
Name changes at the time of divorce are very simple in Michigan. An additional provision in the judgment of divorce is all it takes. It’s a little more involved when you decide to seek a name change years down the…
Potpourri: Michigan divorces with minor children
The Michigan Court of Appeals is publishing Berger v. Berger (Case No. 279025; January 31, 2008). The court addressed a number of legal issues surrounding divorces with children: 10-day residency requirement of MCL 552.9(1) We do not agree with defendant’s…
Don’t worry, Be happy: You and your spouse bug each other because you’re close!
MSNBC.com and LiveScience report on the study of relationships by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (Kira Birditt, Lisa Jackey and Toni Antonucci). The conclusion: Marriage–It only gets worse! MSNBC reports (excerpt): “As we age and become closer…
The power of persuasion in the courtroom . . . or the diner or workplace or home or . . .
The Statesman Journal discusses waitressing, leadership and mimicry. The article includes a summary of the 4 stages of persuasion. Dick Hughes writes (excerpt): Author Jay Conger, writing in the Harvard Business Review, postulates four essential stages to persuasion: 1. Establish…
Gibran said, “Let there be spaces in your togetherness”
CNN/Oprah helps us differentiate between fantasy love and real love. Martha Beck writes (excerpt): Want an honest and long lasting relationship? Make sure you and your partner can recite these five statements. I can live without you, no problem ***…
The interplay between retirement benefits, spouse’s option to elect earnings records, and survivor benefits
US News & World Report helps potential retirees figure out their Social Security benefits with Emily Brandon’s article “Marriage and Social Security Benefits.” The article provides a good overview of the interplay between retirement benefits, spouse’s option to elect earnings…
Harassment in divorce case versus free speech under First Amendment
The New York Times reports on the Vermont divorce court handling Garrido v. Krasnansky. The court ordered the husband to stop posting blog items about his wife and their crumbled marriage, possibly turning an ordinary divorce into a much broader…
Britney Spears teaching America . . . Divorce and Custody 101?
FindLaw explains how Britney Spears is highlighting principles of Family Law and child custody disputes. Joanna Grossman identifies and discusses three lessons: Lesson #1: Courts, not Divorcing Parents, Ultimately Decide Custody Lesson #2: Parental Behavior Matters in Custody Battles Lesson…
No modification of QDRO, hearing before modifying spousal suppport (alimony), and adoption subsidy is for the minor child
The Michigan Court of Appeals is publishing its decision in Thornton v. Thronton (January 3, 2008, Case No. 270931). The per curiam decision held (excerpt): In this domestic relations action, plaintiff appeals by leave granted two orders signed by the…
We Can Do It! (with a good marriage)
The Washington Post reports on the study published in Health Psychology that a happy marriage helps relieve a woman’s stress from work–but apparently not a man’s (excerpt): Coming home to a loving spouse and a good marriage helps working women…
Spiderman chooses new form of divorce?
Ireland On-Line reveals the breakup of Peter Parker’s marriage to Mary Jane (excerpt): In Spider-Man No. 545 the web-slinger agrees a deal with villain Mephisto, to protect his identity and spare his elderly Aunt May. In return Spider-Man’s alter ego…