It’s not just getting back into the rhythm of school pick up and drop off, but who is doing pick up and drop off each day. Not just, “what day is soccer practice?” but “which week do I handle practice?” Not just the added cost of school supplies, but “who is in charge of paying for school supplies this year?” or “I hope my co-parent can afford their half of the school supplies this year.”

And that’s just from the parents’ perspective…

When couples attempt to jump from “discussing interests” to “negotiating agreements”, without spending enough time in "Information Gathering" or "Option Generation," we almost invariably end up with premature commitments and half-way agreements. These partial agreements end up costing the family more money and time because the team ends up going backwards anyway - not only to do the Option Generation that’s required, but also to help manage and repair the hurt feelings in the couple's relationship.

I write this blog as a therapist. A parenting specialist. A mom of elementary-aged school kids. I write this blog following the Uvalde shooting in Texas. I write this blog after turning off the news before my kids come in. Turning off my podcasts before the kids get up… so they don’t hear it before school starts this morning.

It's 2:30pm. It's time for Leah to arrive for her play therapy appointment. Leah is 6. Her mom usually brings her. I see mom swing into the parking lot. I watch out the window for a few minutes while mom gets out of the front seat, opens the back door, and begins her negotiations with Leah, to get her into the therapy room.

A letter to my colleagues in mental health…

This documentary is an incredibly helpful tool in learning how your children may respond to divorce, what questions they may have, and gives ideas about how to best help them.

The Collaborative law community has found it essential to have a licensed professional to improve communication and to resolve conflict for the separating couple as they make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.

If you’re almost ready to start building your parenting plan, but not sure even how to prepare for it, watch for some insights!

Who is collaborative divorce right for?

Not sure where to even begin in developing your parenting time configuration? This is a great place to start.

Recommendations from a specialist in parenting planning. Read on to avoid common pitfalls.

One of the most common concerns parents have as they approach divorce and separation is this: What should we tell the kids, and how should we tell them?

Your people are out there!