Mediate Michigan

Tiger Woods is hitting greens again and his now ex-wife Elin Nordegren has established residence on the cover of People magazine. Now that they have calmed the tornado of divorce with a settlement granted by a state court in Panama City, Fla., the couple may think that the worst part of their breakup is over.

I know from personal experience that the hardest part of divorce starts when your ex falls in love and settles down, and his or her new partner snuggles up at night with your kids to read Goodnight Moon. Suddenly, you’re sharing the mommy or daddy space with a stranger.

via What I Could Tell Tiger About Divorce | Miller-McCune Online.

Divorce is high on the list of life-changing traumas for parents and children. When I practiced family law full time, I endeavored to achieve the best results possible for my clients and their children. But figuring out what is best can be daunting.

There are differing schools of thought on divorce’s effects on children and on custody “rights” and “parenting plans,” but I observe a common thread of deep and palpable concern for the welfare of children.

The most hard-line fathers’ rights advocates, the mother-as-primary-caregiver proponents, those who seek recognition for third-party caregivers such as same-sex partners and grandparents, and all concerned parties seem to agree that we should do what is “best” for the children.

via Kids of divorce deserve simplicity | Family Pages-Community You | CDT Family Pages.

Studies have shown that debt can play a large role in the reasons couples may decide to part ways and start divorce proceedings. But what some may not realize is that the fees and expenses associated with this process can further plunge divorcing spouses into a state of financial strain that may take years to overcome.

via Divorce costs can further strain couples’ finances | Credit.com.

Divorce. The word itself causes many of us to shiver. Not only can it be an emotionally painful and exhausting process, but it can also burn a huge hole in one’s wallet. Divorces can be extremely long, drawn out processes or can proceed quickly depending on the attitude of the parties involved and the requirements of the state in which you live. There is no sure fire way to estimate how much a particular divorce will cost. The easiest answer to this question is “It depends.”

The majority of costs incurred in a divorce are legal fees or attorney’s fees. Of course, attorney’s fees vary greatly depending on the caliber and reputation of the attorney and in what city and state you are located. For example, in the District of Columbia, according to the Laffey Matrix, in 2008-2009, hourly rates for attorneys ranged from $130 for a paralegal or law clerk to $465 for an attorney with 20+ years of experience.

via The Financial Impact of Divorce.

Susan Van Veen is all for grandparents having the right to see their grandchildren if it is in the best interests of the children.

The Chatham woman, who is a mother of four, contacted The Chatham Daily News in response to a recent story involving a local effort to support Bill 33, designed at granting grandparents more rights to see their grandchildren.

“Not all grandparents deserve to see their grandchildren,” she said.

Van Veen believes in many cases if grandparents are not being allowed by parents to see their grandchildren, there’s probably a reason why.

via Some parents have reasons kids don’t see grandparents – Chatham Daily News – Ontario, CA.