how to prepare for divorce mediation

How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation, Emotionally and Practically

Divorce mediation is a way to divorce in a more amicable and peaceful way versus litigating with attorneys and a judge making decisions for you. But how to prepare for divorce mediation is a question my partner Brian James and I are often asked. We will help you prepare for divorce mediation, and get you … Read more

social media and divorce

6 Tips For Facebook and Other Social Media and Divorce

Going through a divorce can feel scary, stressful, emotional, and exhausting.  Many people feel they can benefit from dependable, compassionate, thoughtful sources of emotional support during the divorce, meaning they turn to social media for comfort.  These 24/7 platforms are “always on,” and can soothe a divorcing person’s anxiety by helping them feel heard, validated … Read more

how to get what you want in divorce mediation

How to Get What You Want in Divorce Mediation

Divorcing spouses often wonder how to get what you want in divorce mediation. Divorce mediation can feel scary and threatening, and defenses can go way up. But one thing I’ve learned in the 20+ years of being a divorce mediator is, what a party thinks they want when they start the mediation process may not … Read more

divorce mediation for LGBTQ

Divorce Mediation for LGBTQ and Same-Sex Couples

Over the past year, my partner Brian James and I have had a number of cases for divorce mediation for LGBTQ and same-sex couples for the dissolution of their marriage or Civil Union. While many of the issues to be mediated are the same as with heterosexual couples, we have found subtle and unique differences … Read more

mediation and divorce attorneys

Mediation and Divorce Attorneys: How They Can Support or Undermine the Process

My partner Brian James and I have been mediating as a team for almost 14 years. Most of our clients come to us voluntarily because they believe they are amicable, have agreed to most of the issues regarding children and finances, and they want to be efficient and cost-effective as they get divorced. Some of … Read more

how to get your self-esteem back

How to Get Your Self-Esteem Back After Divorce: 10 Tips

It’s no secret that good self-esteem fosters a happier, healthier life. But what happens when you find your self-esteem temporarily suffering as a result of someone or something negative or difficult going on in your life? That negativity or difficulty could be a divorce. While it’s normal to have lower self-esteem during and sometimes after … Read more

same-sex divorce in Illinois

Same-sex Divorce in Illinois Has Its Challenges

Since 2014, same-sex marriage has been legal in the United States. This means that the legal process for divorce is the same for LGBTQ couples as it is for everybody. Although the legal process is the same, there can often be challenges in a same-sex divorce in Illinois that are not present in divorces in … Read more

filing for divorce

Filing for Divorce? What Women Need To Know Beforehand

More than half of the prospective clients who call me are women.  Women tend to initiate divorce proceedings–including filing for divorce, more than men. Some women, however, may not be completely prepared for the divorce process. During the first consultation(s) I have with a woman considering filing for divorce, there are certain things that I … Read more

myths about mediation

12 Truths and Myths about Mediation

Mediation is a word people usually are not familiar with unless they are going through a divorce. Even when you hear the word mediation, it can sound confusing, complicated and even scary—especially if you hear myths about mediation that are simply just false. The truth is, mediation is the exact opposite of confusing, complicated and … Read more

when divorced couples disagree about covid vaccine

When Divorced Couples Disagree about the COVID Vaccine

Divorced couples might have different opinions and argue on many issues, including finances, lifestyle and the children. But once a marital settlement agreement is in place, (when the couple is officially divorced) they have an obligation to adhere to the terms set forth in the agreement. There is a new potential disagreement that most likely … Read more

Daniel Stefani divorce lawyer

Chicago Divorce Attorney Answers Your Questions

Daniel Stefani has been a Chicago divorce attorney for almost 3 decades, and is the co-Founder of the law firm, Katz & Stefani. In his guest post, Stefani offers some common questions he hears from newly separated clients, along with his answers and advice.    Common Questions Chicago Divorce Attorney, Daniel Stefani Hears “How much … Read more

divorce mediation

Three of the Biggest Issues that Arise in Divorce Mediation

Since we have been working together as divorce mediators for almost 14 years, my partner Brian James and I have started to see divorce mediation themes which arise and enable us to advise our clients on best practices and ways to deal with certain issues and roadblocks in the mediation process.   Here are three … Read more