ClickDocs announces the launch of a new legal forum encouraging use of the collaborative process for complex ‘big money’ divorces (excerpt): The founders of the Central London Collaborative Forum believe that collaborative law can help avoid the cost and acrimony…
To persuade a judge or jury, value and respect
American Chronicle tries to establish the mind set for persuasion. Pradeep Aggarwal writes (excerpt): Basic Rule of persuasion: Never Assume or Disrespect This is the most common mistake that people generally make. They want others to listen to them but…
Why drag out the whole divorce process if you don’t have to?
The Telegraph focuses on prenuptial agreements and collaborative divorce as “a better way out of marriage”: Another way to save on cost and distress if there is no prenuptial agreement is to use collaborative law. Julia Whittle, of independent financial…
What would Paul do? Dignity in divorce
USA Today/AP highlighted Paul McCartney’s desire to maintain his dignity during his divorce from Heather Mills. The former Beatle told Radio Times Magazine: “As Winston Churchill once said, ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going!’ . . . The only…
A better way to divorce?
If you want more stress, more conflict with the other parent, more troubled children and more expenses, STOP. Read no further, and go directly to court. If you want more of something else–more balance, more peace, more spirited children, more…
Principles of persuasion to apply in negotiations and in court
PR-GB.com summarizes “Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini. Robin McKay writes (excerpt): Reciprocity People are more willing to comply with requests (for favors, services, information, concessions, etc.) from those who have provided such things first. This is the…
For more information on Social Security & retirement (divorce or not)
The Social Security Administration presents answers to your questions about Social Security and retirement. In addition, Nolo has information on Social Security and retirement, including: Retirement Plans Enjoying Retirement Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap and Managed Care Long-Term Care Wills & Estate…
Ethical Considerations in Collaborative Divorce
The ABA STANDING COMMITTEE ON ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY rejects the reasoning of the Colorado Bar Association Ethics Opinion No. 115, the sole dissenting voice on the ethics of collaborative divorce. Formal Opinion 07-447 (August 9, 2007) reaffirms the value…
Death of Grand Rapids Service to the Profession Award Winner [Western Michigan Federal Bar Association]
Obituary for Judge Stephen Karr Judge Stephen W. Karr, died on September 28, 2007. He was born on the Island of Samos, Greece on June 20, 1919, and emigrated to the United States with his parents, William and Angeline Karr,…
Selected 2006-2007 published Michigan family law decisions
Proving best interests for change in custody Dumm v. Brodbeck, Mich.App., July 19, 2007: Defendant failed to establish by clear and convincing evidence that a change in custody was in Gwyneth’s best interest. Defendant alleged that plaintiff forced Gwyneth to…
Would your relationship improve with no coveting, no lying, no gossiping?
USA Today opens A.J. Jacobs’ journey as revealed in his The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible. Carol Memmott writes (excerpt): Biggest lesson? “Your behavior shapes your beliefs. If you…
Celebrating a moment a day keeps the divorce lawyer away
CNN/Oprahpresent “8 entirely new ideas about love.” As corny as the title sounds, it’s really worth a read. Everyone would benefit by knowing this tidbit (excerpt): A new study has found that the way you respond to your partner’s good…
Does the “attorneys advocate, judges referee” rule apply in divorce trials too?
The ABA Journal shows how a New York judge [Arlene Silverman]’s ‘incessant’ questions interfered with a trial and resulted in reversal. Debra Cassens Weiss reports (excerpt): “While we recognize that the dynamics of a criminal trial may result in some…
Engaging in risky behavior
USAToday reports on census data detailing marriage and divorce statistics. Sharon Jayson writes (excerpt): More than 70% of those who married since 1970 celebrated a 10th anniversary. That statistic — one of many released Wednesday by the U.S. Census —…
The side effects of shacking up
The Edmonton Sun documents how cohabitation and living together are poor substitutes for marriage, especially when children are involved. Licia Corbella writes (excerpt): Couples have common-law relationships for a myriad of reasons — most of them terribly unromantic — and…
Romantic visions
Redbook reveals “8 Things No One Tells You About Marriage” (excerpt): I still struggle as a work in progress. But I am completely clear in the knowledge that many of the deepest frustrations in your relationship are an opportunity for…
Collaborating with settlement specialists
My new website promotes the concept of collaborative divorce. It’s not for everyone. But for the right couple, the difference is night and day. Here’s a peek at the introductory comments: “If you are looking for the most self-righteous people…
Breaking up is hard to do . . . for grandparents too
The New York Times peels back divorce proceedings to reveal the pain felt by the parents of the parties. Mireya Navarro writes (excerpt): And when children divorce, their parents’ lives are often dramatically changed, an impact that is receiving increasing…
Another victim of domestic violence
The Grand Rapids Press reports on the death of Leontyne “Tina” Partee-Elder, a lawyer with “‘such a big heart.’” Barton Deiters writes (excerpt): As an attorney, Leontyne “Tina” Partee-Elder represented some of the most hardened criminal offenders in the system.…
Deadbeats and dead plans
The AP/New York Times reports on how some parents fail to fully plan their vacations (excerpt): The State Department denies passports to noncustodial parents who owe more than $2,500 in child support. Once the parents make good on their debts,…