February 7, 2024 -   Most divorces involve long-term marriages where there are many assets and possibly children to be considered. But what about a short-term marriage, especially when there are no children? Should you mediate the divorce or just let your lawyers hash out the terms? That might seem easier but it usually takes much longer and costs a lot emotionally and financially.If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website &mda [...]

December 13, 2023 -   Although living separately without a legal agreement may seem easier than going through a divorce, two major pitfalls can make things extremely messy if and when you decide to formalize your separation. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]

November 29, 2023 -   We all have regrets — words and actions we would like to take back, but can’t. However, this blog references an article by Daniel Pink in the NY Times Well Newsletter. Pink explains a 3-step process that can help you gain valuable insights from your regrets and keep you from repeating them as you move forward. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.   [...]

September 27, 2023 -   You would think that a lack of trust would definitely make your mediation really tough, if not impossible, but it can be done and a settlement reached. Some couples even find their way to begin the process of rebuilding some of the trust that was lost. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.   [...]

August 23, 2023 -   As a significant other who went through the process of being introduced to my husband’s family, I feel I can share what was a very positive experience for me. The reason relationships formed the way they did had to do with the personalities of everyone involved being open to these relationships. That doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult for some couples, but this video outlines four factors that may help ease the transition into being a blended [...]

June 7, 2023 - A couple of topics came up in a peer group that I run for divorce mediators that took the discussion to a more personal rather than professional level. The topics were raised by two members of the group who had suspended their careers during the time that they were raising their children, resulting in lost opportunities. They embarked on new careers. But what cannot be regained is those lost opportunities. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and [...]

May 3, 2023 -   There has been lots of noise on the internet lately about drafting your own separation agreement. Some couples have come in with a piece of paper where they divided the assets and made co-parenting arrangements, but unfortunately, the document has to pass muster under New York law which is very strict. If it doesn’t, your agreement can be voided and you will have to start again. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, [...]

May 1, 2023 -   In this video, I address whether guilt belongs in divorce mediation. Consider several factors: thoroughly evaluating the agreement and its consequences, seeking objective advice to assess fault accurately, and projecting future feelings to avoid potential regrets. Clients ultimately make their own decisions in mediation but are advised to do so with awareness and understanding. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups, and family law, check [...]

March 7, 2023 -   My last article spoke about how high mortgage interest rates could complicate a buyout in your divorce mediation. In the second article of this series, we explore how a partial buyout might be the answer for the person who is not staying in the home but needs to have some cash right away. There are a couple of options that might allow this to work for your divorce. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and family law, check out my website [...]

February 22, 2023 - This article is the beginning of a series about the disposition of the marital home for couples with children. When there are no children in the marriage, the usual plan for a divorcing couple is to sell and divide the proceeds. When there are children, one party may buy out the other in order for the children to remain in their school district, but today’s higher interest rates may complicate the buyout and the divorce.If you would like more information about me [...]

January 25, 2023 -   I had a couple who came to mediation from family court. They worked through all the issues of their parenting plan, except for one minor issue. They decided to go back to family court and ask the judge to make the decision for them. Sounds easy, but that’s not exactly how it worked out. If you would like more information about mediation, prenups and family law, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com.     [...]

November 16, 2022 -   No couple gets married expecting to be divorced, but when creating a prenuptial agreement most couples decide to include a term defining what will be considered marital and separate property. If the couple defines them in a way that limits them, then obviously, there will be limited assets subject to distribution if they do get divorced. If you would like more information about mediation and prenups, check out my website — ClarePiroMediation.com. [...]