The ABA’s McElhaney on Litigation suggests replacing chronology with groups of vivid word pictures. Jim McElhaney writes (excerpt): http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/give_chronology_a_timeout McElhaney on Litigation “. . . Tell them the story. . . . [P]ut together a series of verbal snapshots that…
Mediators can help collaborative divorces smooth out rough edges
ABA Book Briefs Blog features a divorce mediation excerpt from the book “Collaborative Law: Achieving Effective Resolution in Divorce without Litigation,” Second Edition by Pauline H. Tesler (excerpt): If a collaborative case runs into problems, a “meta-mediator” can help everyone…
How to increase your custodial-parenting time
Richard Forrest Gould-Saltman posted a summary of how a non-custodial parent can maximize parenting time. The summary was written with California in mind, but many of the principles are equally applicable across the country. Mr. Gould-Saltman writes: The things you…
Why won’t he talk to me? How to argue with a man about money, housework, friendships and sex
CNN and O, The Oprah Magazine explain that research confirms men and women experience the same relationship very differently and that patience and humor can work better than more of the same. Gretchen Reynolds writes (excerpt): “It’s quite possible that…
5 secrets to a great marriage plus “sexual healing”
Brides magazine summarizes five rules for getting and keeping a great marriage. Then it adds a few words about having plenty of sex. Lexi Dwyer writes (excerpt): 1. Do things together. . . . 2. But also do things separately.…
Persuading the stubborn: How to get through to someone who won’t listen to you
PowerHomeBiz.com reveals 5 powerful and persuasive moves for getting through a person’s mental defenses based on the work of Mark Goulston, the author of JUST LISTEN. The 5 tips include: “Do you really believe that?” The Power of Hmmm .…
He loves me, he loves me not: What do your children think?
The New York Times summarizes the research showing how TV guru Phil McGraw and Supernanny Jo Frost have it all wrong: using “I Love You” to control behavior harms children. Alfie Kohn writes (excerpt): In practice, according to an impressive…
Collaborative Divorce: Investing in cooperation now brings less fights for parents later
The Traverse City Record-Eagle introduces the concept of the gentler divorce through Collaborative Divorce to our neighbors to the north. Vanessa McCray writes (excerpt): But feelings and the family’s future are not to be overlooked. Divorce is a “devastating and…
Getting the most out of your brain
Real Simple explains how to get your brain to operate more efficiently. Jonah Lehrer lists 10 ways to improve your thinking (excerpt): 1. Tap your emotions. 2. Don’t think under pressure. 3. Consider alternative points of view. 4. Challenge your…
The first to make the facts come alive: Gaining the advantage in bench trials
The ABA’s McElhaney on Litigation reminds us of how to persuade a judge. Jim McElhaney writes (excerpt): “You are talking directly to a fellow human being about the ‘gut stuff’ of life. What’s right and what’s wrong. Fair and unfair.…
Dowry offer for Chelsea Clinton: And Rumi thought the price of kissing was your life
CNN reports on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s promise to “convey this very kind offer.” Moni Basu writes (excerpt): What can 40 goats and 20 cows buy a Kenyan man? Chelsea Clinton’s love, if you ask Godwin Kipkemoi Chepkurgor. The…
Persuading without fake sincerity: The truth behind effective public speaking
Courtroom Performance’s new book, The Lawyer’s Winning Edge: Exceptional Courtroom Performance highlights four aspects of persuasion. Lisa L. DeCaro and Leonard Matheo write (excerpt): Remember these four important truths, and filter all advice through them: 1. Every speaker is different.…
When the kids come between you: save your marriage, help your children
CNN and Parenting.com gives us 11 tips on how to save your marriage from your kids Teri Cettina’s list includes (excerpt): Create warm welcomes Try 20-minute reconnects Set early bedtimes Share the load Encourage your kids’ independence Revive your past…
Grand Rapids Collaborative Child Specialists
Gentler Divorce’s list of collaborative child specialists in Grand Rapids who are trained and committed to collaborative divorce includes: Peter Everts Mary Lier Linda Ringleka Michael Ryan Leslie Visser
Grand Rapids Collaborative Divorce Mental Health Professionals and Divorce Coaches
Gentler Divorce’s list of collaborative mental health professionals and divorce coaches in Grand Rapids who are trained and committed to collaborative divorce includes: Craig A. DeWitt Peter Everts Denise Hames Mary Lier Linda Ringleka Michael Ryan Thomas Spahn Leslie Visser…
Grand Rapids Collaborative Divorce Lawyers
Gentler Divorce’s list of collaborative attorneys in grand rapids who are trained and committed to collaborative divorce includes: Deborah Bennett Berecz Melanie DeStigter Anthony Gauthier Susan Wilson Keener Courtney L. Quist Ric Roane David Sarnacki Randy Velzen
A really good story = persuasive closing argument
ABA Journal’s McElhaney on Litigationshows how to make your closing argument ring true. Jim McElhaney writes (excerpt): Cabbages and Insance Goats “Thirty years ago, the late Craig Spangenberg of Cleveland said, ‘The greatest weapon in the arsenal of persuasion is…
Marriage counseling: Therapists help those who help themselves?
The Detroit Free Press identifies the need for couples to take action, work with their marriage counselor and avoid four obstacles to a successful therapy relationship. Alex Kecskes writes (excerpt): 1. Couples don’t have a goal in mind. They’re stuck…
Just how temporary is the custody awarded to Michael Jackson’s mother?
The New York Times adds a little context to the looming custody issues following Michael Jackson’s death and the apparent change of heart by Debbie Rowe toward 12-year-old Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. and 11-year-old Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11. [An…
Create a happy, healthy marriage: 9 tips
CNN and Health Magazine show how making some effort leads to making your marriage last. Kate Stinchfield explains 9 ways to a happy, healthy marriage (excerpt): 1. Watch your waistline 2. Have a financial plan 3. Figure out your family…