Malcolm Law Blog

Eight years ago today I was out for a jog, unwinding after a long day at work. A particularly contentious divorce case was on my mind. A few miles later, I walked in the door of my house and penned the following introduction to an article which I then published in a client newsletter: May Day Proclamation: No More War […]

Start with budgeting. Divorce often means spouses must now allocate the same income over two households instead of one. Without a commitment to preparation of realistic budgets, negotiations can quickly degenerate into adversarial proceedings. Budgets enable you to discuss alimony and child support from a factual perspective. Sites such as FamilyLawSoftware offer tools to aid you, your lawyer or financial […]

No. In mediation, the mediator facilitates negotiations, but doesn’t represent either spouse, can’t give legal advice, and can’t be an advocate for either spouse. In a Collaborative Divorce, each spouse hires a lawyer (and sometimes mental health and financial professionals) to represent him or her during the process, but with settlement as the goal. Their job is to work together […]

Scheduling children’s activities with an ex-spouse can be a source of conflict. Fortunately, subscription services at sites such as www.custodyagreement.kids-first.com and www.jointparents.com can help. Joint parenting time, holidays, birthdays and other events can be coordinated on-line. This can reduce anxiety for both parents. Less stress on you means less stress on your children. We can’t change the fact people divorce. […]