I recently viewed the animated movie, Inside Out. I had read many reviews that the themes presented in the film deal with how we are affected by our emotions. The Inside Out characters are based upon our different emotions. Sadness and Anger were particularly interesting to me! While the movie is a cartoon adventure that takes place entirely within the head of an 11 year old girl, the original look into the minds of the characters can help both children and adults understand and appreciate (each at their own level) the role that emotions play in our behavior and how our behavior affects those around us in different ways. Without going too deeply into the plot (I encourage you to go see it!), we see the main character and her family going through different life events such as a change of job, a move and attending a new school. We see the range of emotions that emerge with life changes and how these emotions play off of one another.
Choosing an Attorney for your Prenup: Understanding the Value of an Experienced Attorney
The popularity of prenuptial agreements is on the rise for couples of all ages. A prenup can be just as important to couples on their first marriage and in their 20’s and 30’s, as it is to individuals on a second or third marriage and in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s (and on up). Today, many couples want to establish property and financial rights before marriage. The content of the agreement is unique because it is based upon the couple’s particular goals and financial situation. If a prenup is properly prepared, future disputes over money and other issues can be avoided. Many people think of a prenuptial agreement as a contract like any other. That is not exactly the case. Because of the delicate nature of prenuptial agreements and the relationship of the parties, it is much more than just a contract. In addition to general contract principles, prenups come with a set of rules and regulations all their own. For that reason, how a couple arrives at agreement and how the prenup is drafted is extremely important.
Trending: A New Take on “Best Interest of the Child”
Just a few days ago, social media was trending with its usual celebrity gossip and sports news, but an interesting family law case in Michigan snuck into the mix. A judge in Michigan sent three children to juvenile detention for refusing to have lunch with their father (if you haven’t had a chance to read the story, click here). As a collaborative lawyer who tries to help clients avoid hostile court battles, this story especially peaked my interest. After seeing much commentary and debate on the situation, I gave some thought to my own take on the story.
Gett: The Trial of Viviane Ansalem – A Mediator’s Take on this Courtroom Drama
The plot of this very engrossing courtroom drama revolves around an Israeli woman’s desire for a divorce and her husband’s refusal to agree. Viviane, the wife, needs a gett, which is a divorce document that is only obtainable in Israel by going through the rabbinical court. The process can take years and there is no civil recourse. It is up to the husband, Elisha in this case, whether to give the wife a divorce. This film shows that personal freedom can be difficult, if not impossible to achieve. I will leave the issues of how much liberty was taken with the story or whether it accurately depicts the rabbinical court for others to discuss. My focus is the contrast offered up by the film in individual freedom and the right to make choices in marital agreements that benefit both spouses and their children. Continue Reading
Collaborative Law: A Foundation
I have been fortunate to work on a variety of matters in my career, but I focus my practice on Collaborative Law and Mediation. I find myself mentioning collaborative law in other blogs I post, and while I give quick definitions here and there, I felt it was important to provide a better foundation of what collaborative law actually is.
Parenting Plans 101: The Basics
I have written in the past about co-parenting and why it is important to have a unified front when raising children. While there are many different ways that parents can develop a united front, there are certain things that can be helpful to everyone. Parenting plans are ways for parents to actually put into writing how they will go about handling different types of decisions when it comes to the children. It is possible to provide children with continuity and security when the children reside in both Mom’s house and in Dad’s house.
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Divorce and Estate Planning: Should Your Will and other Planning Documents be Changed after a Divorce?
After the divorce process is complete, a person can embark on a fresh start. As people recalibrate their new lives, they sometimes forget to tie up other loose ends that may have connections with the dissolved marriage.
Estate planning is an area which many people like to put off for various reasons. Drafting a Last Will and Testament (“Will”) is not the most upbeat topic, and designating beneficiaries can be extremely stressful. However, if you have executed any estate planning documents before your divorce, it may not only be beneficial but also necessary to update your documents.
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I’ve Decided I Want a Prenup – Now What?
As I reviewed some of my previous blogs, I realized my next piece would be an important one because it is my 50th blog post! A while back, I set out to write and post quality pieces on different topics and issues within family law. Looking back on some of my more popular posts, I realized that prenups have become a very popular talking point. In the past, I have covered areas on why people should consider prenups, new and different types of agreements, and more. Then I realized: I haven’t yet discussed what happens after someone decides to actually get a prenup. Once you make the decision to start the prenup process, what do you do?
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Prenups 101: Back to Basics!
After working on a variety prenups for all different types of clients over the years, I’ve realized that no matter the situation, everyone can benefit from some basic information on prenuptial agreements. I wanted to provide answers to some of the more commonly-asked questions I receive from clients.
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Home is Where the Children Are: Tips for Creating a Comfortable Second Home for Your Child
The importance of keeping the children’s interests at heart and the best ways to handle communication with children is often emphasized through the divorce process. No matter how old the children may be, they react to their parents’ divorce in different ways. What happens to the children after the divorce process is completed? One parent may be moving out of the family home and starting new in a different place and, in some cases, the family home may be sold and everyone will move. While it is a new beginning for that parent, it is also a brand new home for the children. What can you do to help make your new residence a comfortable second home for your children?
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