Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce and Litigation

[This is a re-posted article from Council member, Jennifer Safian]

When a marriage is in trouble, you may feel as if your life is being turned upside down. On top of facing a possible divorce, you find yourself dealing with words that you have never used before; a whole new vocabulary that can be difficult to understand. So let me try to clarify a couple of basics for you.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce, means that you and your spouse are in agreement about getting a divorce, and that you believe that you will be able to reach an understanding on all divorce related issues including property division, spousal/child support, and a parenting plan for your children if needed.

Read the rest at Jennifer Safian's site.

Jennifer Safian can also be found on LinkedIn

NYSCDM Annual Conference May 3-5

Save the Date!

Annual Conference at the Gideon Putnam, Saratoga, NY

Pre-Conference Institute, Thursday, May 3, 2012
Annual Conference, Thursday, May 3-Saturday, May 5, 2012

More information to come, so please stay tuned to the blog, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook

NYSCDM Peer Group Meeting Recap

This recap submitted by NYSCDM Public Awareness Committee Co-Chair, Helene Bernstein

On January 30, 2012, the New York City Divorce Mediation Peer Group affiliated with the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation met for their monthly meeting with a record number of attendees. The topic, “Mediating Retirement Benefits” was presented by financial advisor Lauren Prince and divorce mediator/attorney Georgia Davies Graham.

The New York State Council on Divorce Mediation has an accreditation process for its members which requires verification of training, consultation, and experience. Peer group meetings may be substituted for a portion of the consultation requirements for accreditation.

Congratulations to members Jo Ann Shartand, Robin Masson, and Gail Ferrailoi, who were recently accredited by the council. For more information about accreditation please visit the council’s website at nysmediate.org.

The Council also invites you to sign up for FaceBook, Linked In and Twitter for updates on all council events.

Helene Bernstein can also be found on Twitter and LinkedIn

NYSCDM December 3 Mini Conference Recap

NYSCDM hosted their annual fall mini-conference Saturday, December 3, 2011 at John Jay College. The conference focused on current issues facing divorce mediators, such as federal, state, and city tax traps in real estate transfers, which was presented by Steve Abel and Eli Uncyk. “Mediators must be educated about the rules regarding federal capital gains tax before discussing the sale of the marital home with their client,” states Public Awareness Committee co-chair, Helene Bernstein.

Teresa D. Calabrese and Katie Cole discussed issues involving same sex marriage. “NYS Equality Act does not fully protect LGBTQ clients and mediators can assist with agreements that further protect their marital and family relationships,” added Susan Ingram, who co-chairs the Public Awareness Committee of the NYSCDM.

Support Magistrate Carole Princer Levy spoke on magistrates deciding difficult child support issues. The Magistrate explained that losing one’s job is not a guarantee your child support payments will be reduced. The court will look at a party's ability to pay as opposed to their current income in considering a request to lower child support. "Mediators can help clients create agreements that anticipate how child support can be paid in these situations so you can avoid going to court,” says NYSCDM President, Bobbie Dillon.

There was an interactive audience workshop to discuss mediating with clients who present unusual challenges.

The conference was a sell-out with nearly 100 mediators in attendance.

Next conference is May 3-5 in Saratoga Springs, NY at Gideon Putnam. More information to come.

The rest of the photos can be seen on the Facebook page

There IS A Second Chance For Love Post Divorce

[This is a re-posted article from Council member, Jennifer Safian]

Post divorce, facing your “new” life can be somewhat daunting. Facing the world of dating and a new romantic life can be down right terrifying. People often cling to familiar routines like working and caring for the children, to avoid the awkward and sometimes frightening world of dating. Life does move on, however, and “chance encounters” can turn out to have life affirming results when you least expect it.

Amy and Greg started living separately in June after signing their legal separation agreement. They had joint legal custody and while the children’s primary residence was with their mother, they spent a lot of time with their father. Amy’s life was focused mostly on her children, and her business which she ran from home. For several months following the separation, she made no particular effort to go out and socialize...

Read the rest at her site

http://safianmediation.com/there-is-a-second-chance-for-love-post-divorce/

Jennifer Safian can also be found on LinkedIn