https://lawestmi.org/ awarded attorney David C. Sarnacki of The Sarnacki Law Firm the 2023 Michael S. Barnes Award. Over the decades, Sarnacki contributed nearly 800 hours on cases which he accepted from LAWM’s pro bono program, provided monetary support, and worked…
Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2023 Top Lawyers in Both Family Law & Mediation: Peer Review and Rating of David C. Sarnacki
Once again, David C. Sarnacki has been selected to Grand Rapids Magazine’s list of Top Lawyers, this time for 2023. Recognized by his peers for excellence in both Family Law and Mediation, he was chosen by a confidential vote of…
The DNA industry’s Pandora’s box: connecting to others
CNN Travel highlights two risks of DNA testing that connects you to other people in surprising ways. Tim Curran writes (excerpt): . . . Among them [the potential surprises], [Samuel] Burke lists finding out a parent was unfaithful or that…
Say what else is true: poetry, conflict, friendship
The Poetry Unbound newsletter from Pádraig Ó Tuama reminds us that there’s more than the “yeah, but” or the “and yet” or the “however” in poetry, in conflict, in relationships, in life. There’s the “also.” Pádraig Ó Tuama writes (excerpt):…
Calming baby science: the scientific method for putting baby to bed
CNN Relationships show us how Japanese researchers discovered that 5 plus 8 makes sweet dreams. Sandee LaMotte writes (excerpt): Here’s how it works: Walk your baby for a minimum of five minutes with no sudden movements, at which time the…
Asking for & responding to: encountering some sacred mystery in the word Help
On Being’s The Pause Newsletter featured Pádraig Ó Tuama’s reflection on help Ó Tuama writes (excerpt): . . . Depending on your personality, it can feel like hell to ask for help. It starts off sounding like hell too, but…
Parenting principles for sports: adults letting kids be kids
CNN Health shows how parents can let kids enjoy sports as kids. Matt Villano interviews Linda Flanagan and writes about her top 4 principles (excerpt): The first is to look at your child and recognize that interest and passion in…
Professional Rating and Review of David Sarnacki: 2023 Best Lawyers in America
Best Lawyers in America announced that Grand Rapids attorney and mediator David C. Sarnacki has been selected by attorneys and judges for inclusion in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. David was recognized for his outstanding work…
Imperfect parenting, with balance and love
The Grand Island Independent highlights psychotherapist Barton Goldsmith’s parenting tips. The advice covers appreciation, empathy, acceptance, self-confidence, affection and self-reliance. Goldsmith writes [excerpt]: You will make mistakes as a parent, so give yourself a break when you do. Similarly, allow…
New legal resource: how to write a brief for court
David C. Sarnacki published The Essence of Writing Persuasive Trial Briefs: Big Ideas for Mastering Mediation, Arbitration & Trial Briefs. The short, practical book is available in both ebook and paperback form on Amazon and other retailers. A wealth of…
It’s preventable: the leading cause of U.S. children and adolescent deaths
The New England Journal of Medicine reported our new #1 cause killing our kids: gun deaths, rising for nearly every racial and ethnic group. Jason E. Goldstick, Ph.D., Rebecca M. Cunningham, M.D., and Patrick M. Carter, M.D., all from the…
A lover, not a fighter: arming yourself with loving, honest and open communication
CNN Health counsels couples on effective arguments. “One of the most important things we’ve seen in our research is that people benefit most from being direct,” said [FSU psychology professor] Jim McNulty . . . . “Beating around the bush,…
Professional Review and Rating: David C. Sarnacki, 2022 Top Rated Litigator
ALM Media/Martindale-Hubbell selected David C. Sarnacki as a 2022 Top Rated Litigator. With 37 years experience in problem solving and powerful advocacy, he is a top-rated attorney and mediator in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Sarnacki’s Grand Rapids practice helps clients…
Emotions & meltdowns–the lesson plan for teaching children
CNN Health offers us tips on helping children process emotions and feelings. with assistance from Indianapolis behavioral pediatrician Dr. Nerissa Bauer and Professor Marc Brackett, also the director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Megan Marples writes that parents…
Relationship Rescue: another joy of reuniting opportunity
Retrouvaille in Grand Rapids is scheduled for March 4-6, 2022. The program is designed to help married couples who are in the midst of difficult challenges. For more information, call 616-635-1046 or email retrograndrapids@gmail.com. Note: If you’re not near Grand…
Courageous hospitality: learning through deep listening
Pádraig Ó Tuama writes in On Being’s The Pause Newsletter about the difference between person-to-person mediation and group mediation. Ó Tuama writes (excerpt): What you’re trained to do, in group mediation, is to help people continue to practice the art…
Parent’s protecting hope: what science says
CNN Health lets us listen in on an interview with author and psychologist Lisa Damour. Damour reveals how science helps us understand the teenage brain and facilitates support to our loved ones. Jessica DuLong writes (excerpt): CNN: You say parents…
Criticizing, blaming and shaming backfire and reinforce beliefs: instead, to promote change, try empathy and curiosity
CNN Opinion reveals one method of persuasion that promotes change: the use of empathy and curiosity. So much more effective than criticizing, blaming and shaming. Those backfire and reinforce the existing beliefs. Peter Bregman and Howard Jacobson write (excerpt): In…
Ratings & Reviews: 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Family Law Mediation in Grand Rapids
Best Lawyers in America announced that David C. Sarnacki has been recognized through its peer-review process as the 2022 Lawyer of the Year award in Family Law Mediation in Grand Rapids. Best Lawyers reported “extremely high voter feedback” for his…
Play: letting go of everything else
CNN Relationships highlights the value of giving up “egos, worries and agendas” to play with our children, play with adults, just plain play. Elissa Strauss writes (excerpt): “Play for adults is absolutely necessary if you are going to have a…