Legalreader.com recently posted an article about getting divorced in the State of Utah. Many couples who show up at mediation are unaware of the process even when they have legal representation.  I encourage all parties in divorce to inform themselves of the process as best they can.  This is one of the major life events you will experience and it is important that you move about it with as much information as possible so you can make good decisions. 

This article details the basic steps in Utah Divorces:
1) Someone files for divorce
2) Petition, Answer & Counter
3) Waiting period
4) Attorney's fees
5) Parenting Plan & Custody Evaluation
6) Mediation
7) Discovery Process
8) Motions
9) Pre-trial Conference
10) Trial 

For detailed information about each step click on the image above to be directed to the article.  Understand that mediation may be listed as step 6, but it can actually be utilized at ANY step of divorce.  Mediation is a place where you can take the time to better understand one another and work together toward a mutually agreed upon resolution.  When couples mediate regularly, they learn to trust the process and their partner/co-parent. I cannot stress enough how useful mediation can be amidst conflict and how much happier participants are than when they leave their personal issues up to the courts.  

With the uncertainty that comes with separating and an unaffordable housing market, you may find yourself in a situation where you are still sharing a home with your ex-partner.  Divorcemag.com offers help for this less than ideal situation. 

Their suggestions for how to best enjoy the holiday are:

Consider the types of gifts you give your children and if they make sense for your situation and future changes.

Discuss whether you want to exchange gifts with the other parent. 

Consider abiding by future holiday splits of time for traditions.

Try your best to make the most of the Season and Enjoy it! 

For more detailed information click on the image above to be directed to the article.  

Remember, if you have disagreements about holiday schedules, budgets, expectations, mediation is a great way to resolve your disputes in a productive and cohesive way.  

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Divorcemag.com just posted a helpful article about co-parenting during the holidays.  The end of the year is stressful for everyone, make the most of this year's special moments by utilizing the tips in this article.
1) Organize Time
2) Put the Children's Needs First
3) Consider Sharing the Holiday Together
4) Practice Self-Care
5) Seek Professional Support to Work Through Disagreements

For more details, click on the image above or go to divorcemag.com 

I found this interesting article on Babygaga.com about "parallel parenting" as opposed to co-parenting.  The jist of it is that parallel parenting is ideal in cases where the parents to a child engage in a more business like relationship when it comes to parenting.  Co-parenting is only possible when the two parents involved can communicate and work together on a mutually agreed upon parenting plan.  When communication and collaboration are not possible, parallel parenting is the next best thing.  Read more about parallel parenting here.  

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I don't often look to celebrities for their life choices, but in this case, it's great to see what ANYONE is doing for co-parenting that WORKS.  Co-parenting is such an essential part of an divorce.  It requires a lot of planning, communication and coordination.  

If you're looking to be inspired, check out this article on insider.com 

A new article on Yahoo.com goes over 5 basic signs that mediation may not prove to be productive. 

Dr. Jann Blackstone says they are:
1. There’s So Much Animosity, You Can’t Talk to Each Other
2. There’s a History of Drug or Alcohol Abuse or Domestic Violence
3. There’s a Mental Health Issue
4. There’s No Seeing Eye-to-Eye on Custody
5. One—or Both—Parties Aren’t Willing to Put in the Time Needed to Sort Things Out

​For more details and information, click on the link.  In the State of Utah, parents seeking divorce are REQUIRED to attempt mediation unless they have a court exception.  Just because it might not be productive does not mean you can avoid it all together.  If you are looking for a mediator, reach out to us today and schedule your mediation.  

Lexology.com featured a great article discussing the challenges of co-parenting during COVID-19.  It may seem obvious that communication is not only important but essential in new ways during this “new normal”.  They recommend finding the most effective means of communication and agreeing upon terms and use of that communication.  It is important that co-parents are open and forthcoming about how they plan to approach parenting during their time.  These methods of improved communication can be discussed and organized without tension in mediation.  Contact us to schedule today.  

Law.com posted an article discussing how fortunate it is that the legal profession can thrive virtually as the many other industries are unable to adapt.  They focus a few paragraphs on Mediation specifically and how it is essentially the same as in-person:

The Zoom technology is remarkably easy to use. The virtual mediations I’ve done so far have involved participants covering the entire spectrum of computer prowess, and all have fared quite well. More importantly, the real engine of successful mediations–personal connections—hits on all eight cylinders in the virtual format. Following one recent virtual mediation of a significant injury case, the defense attorney told me how she was able to adjust her comments in the opening by reading the reaction of the plaintiff on the video. Just as with in-person mediations, the real-time feedback is there.
So, from the perspective of our clients, virtual mediations have been an unequivocal success. And I can also say that, from a mediator’s perspective, it is no less so. Success for mediators comes only when we can personally connect with the parties and counsel. A quote attributed to Teddy Roosevelt says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” At the mediation of any significant case, there comes a point when I am leading clients, step by step, to a place that, though necessary to get to, is tough terrain to traverse. If they don’t trust my judgment and motivation, they won’t take my hand. If you had asked me, even weeks ago, if this level of rapport could be established over a virtual medium, I would have said, “No way.” I was wrong. Happily, thankfully, mercifully, I was very wrong.

Done Medation plans to resume all mediations via videoconferencing using Zoom as mentioned in this article.  To schedule a mediation for yourself, contact us today. 

The Boston Herald recently posted an article called ‘Custody Issues in a Time of Coronavirus’.  A mother who works from home and has 3 school aged children is suddenly taking care of them full-time and asks their father to pay additional child support during this time as she cannot maintain full-time hours and is now caring for the children 24/7.  Author Wendy Hickey offers great legal advice on how to approach the conversation, prepare documentation, and the legal path forward.  

It seems this couple had a partial resolution for their parenting plan and failed to make it to the finish line.  A quick session of mediation might have helped fill in the gaps and relieve a lot of stress for everyone in the future.  

If you have questions about what the future holds during this pandemic, schedule a session of mediation today.