The Union shows the growing trend toward collaborative divorce. Janet Harley writes (excerpt): Parents who still must raise their children together are unable to look at each other, much less talk to each other. Those of us working in the…
Creating a peaceful divorce
The Santa Barbara Independent comments on how to get a win-win split in divorce. Kevin Bourke writes (excerpt): Divorce mediation has become increasingly popular in recent years. If you and your soon-to-be ex are both intent on creating a peaceful…
Can your employer monitor your email?
The ABA Litigation News Online reveals a problem with using your employer-provided email address. Your email–even to your attorney–may not be private, confidential or protected. Ruth E. Piller writes (excerpt): Employees who believe their email communications with their attorneys are…
Hey Guys, Let’s Evolve: Stop Acting Out Sexually and Violently
I keep finding news of males acting out sexually and violently. It seems that guys get bad news for such behavior. The news gets degendered and reported as criminal behavior by offenders. Men aren’t born to commit such acts, but the…
Empowering families to live deeper, richer, healthier lives
MLive-Grand Rapids Press put Maranda in the spotlight with her new “Where You Live” show. This show encourages us to be creative and effective as we guide our children toward becoming responsible and happy adults. The show airs at 7…
Using intellective and judgmental persuasion to win your case in court
The ABA’s Litigation Update distinguishes between the two ways decision makers approach problems. Harry Plotkin writes (excerpt): When humans—especially in groups—are asked to solve intellective problems that have right and wrong answers, they utilize informational processing. They share facts and…
Couples dancing with the stars
The Sturgis Journal illustrates what marriage and dancing have in common, putting commitment in perspective. James and Audora Burg write (excerpt): The late Paul Pearsall, neuropsychologist and best-selling author of 18 books, noted “Marriage, families, all relationships are more a…
Download free Collaborative Divorce Knowledge Kit
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…