Is Divorce Mediation Right for You?
Divorce doesn't have to be a contentious fight. You and your former spouse can disagree about the distribution of assets, debts, or child custody. Still, you can agree to end your marriage amicably. When this is the case, divorce mediation is a less time-consuming and less costly option for you to...
Prenuptial Agreements: What They Can and Cannot Protect
Many couples enter into a prenuptial agreement before beginning their lives together. Because of its transactional nature, some couples may be weary of using a prenuptial agreement.
But prenuptial agreements can provide a firm basis for marriage. They allow spouses to discuss financial concerns before...
Dorit Goikhman and OTR Mediation Host Reddit AMA
Here at Off the Record Mediation, we hope to do our part in de-mystifying and popularizing the mediation process as an alternative to litigated divorce. We are true believers in mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly when it comes to family matters.
Even though divorce mediation is...
What is the #1 Biggest Mistake I see in Mediation?
Why Trying to "Win" Mediation Will Get You Nowhere.
As a California mediator, the most common mistake that I see parties make in mediation is trying to "win" mediation. By...
How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation
Preparation is key to a successful outcome in mediation. When I'm advising clients in mediation, I ask them to consider all of the following questions:
1. What does an ideal outcome look like? (if there are multiple issues, consider each issue specifically and separately) 2. What is...
What are the traits of great mediators?
The mediator you choose will drastically affect your mediation experience. In addition to training, great reviews, and expertise, here are a few traits to look for in a mediator.
Compassionate Listeners. Great mediators are skilled in making all sides feel heard. Mediators understand that there...How Early Neutral Evaluation Can Save You Thousands
What is Early Neutral Evaluation?
Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a process by which both parties to a lawsuit engage an expert who assesses the likely or probable outcomes of their case. Some people may refer to Early Neutral Evaluation as Early Neutral Assessment.
Six De-escalation Techniques.
Become a problem solver. These six transformative techniques can change your life by changing the way you interact with and understand others.
De-escalation techniques are useful in mediation and negotiation, but they can also be applied in nearly...
Divorce Mediation Issue Checklist
This issue checklist is for family law attorneys, mediators, and parties currently going divorce or separation. Does your settlement agreement address all relevant issues?
A successful mediation is one that results in a comprehensive agreement that satisfies...
An Unspoken Benefit of Mediation: Protecting Your Professional Reputation in a Divorce
Fortunes are made and lost in discovery.
Made by lawyers. Lost by the litigants.
What is “Discovery”?
Discovery is the formal process by which the parties to litigation obtain information with the ultimate goal of trying their case.