Divorce and mediation
Ending a marriage without losing your footing
Whether you both know it's over or you're the one who didn't see it coming, the work is the same: the house, the money and the children's weeks, settled and in writing.
I start with what matters most to you and work out from there. If you and your spouse can still talk, mediation or a negotiated agreement is usually faster and gentler on everyone. If you can't, I'll handle the conversations for you, and take the case to a judge when that's what it needs.
What we'll sort out together
Every divorce settles the same handful of questions. We take them one at a time, with real numbers for each choice.
The house
Who stays, who sells, and how any equity is shared.
Savings and retirement
Bank accounts, pensions and retirement plans, and the orders some of them need to be divided.
Debts
Credit cards, car loans and the mortgage: who pays what, and how to protect your credit while it's settled.
Spousal support
Whether either of you pays support, how much and for how long.
The children's schedule
A parenting plan for school weeks, holidays and summers, if you have children together.
The final agreement
One document that covers it all, written so you can read it and a judge can sign it.
Questions about divorce and mediation
Do we both need lawyers?
I can only represent one of you. Your spouse can have their own lawyer, use a mediator, or represent themselves. Even in a friendly divorce, it helps to have someone check the agreement for you.
What is mediation, and is it right for us?
A neutral mediator helps the two of you reach an agreement, usually over a few sessions. It works best when you can talk safely. It isn't right if there's been abuse or one of you is afraid of the other.
Can I get divorced if my spouse doesn't want to?
Yes. One spouse can start a divorce on their own. Your spouse still has a say in how property, support and parenting are settled.
What happens to the house while the case is open?
Usually nothing changes on day one. If you need short-term rules about who lives there and who pays the mortgage, we can ask the court for temporary orders.
Talk it through before you decide anything
A first call is a chance to ask questions, not a commitment to file.