CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS DESPITE A BREAKUP, SEPARATION OR DIVORCE
November 26, 2021
The holiday season is almost upon us. As always, the holidays can be joyous or difficult, depending on what else is going on in our lives. We can usually count on them to be stressful in any case. Some of us believe the myth that … Read More »
Emotions and the Cost of Divorce
November 6, 2021
Emotions are subjective states of mind. By themselves they are neither good nor bad; they are simply reactions to events. Negative emotions/reactions often occur when one is going through separation or divorce. Examples: “I want everything.” “I’ll never agree to a divorce.” “I want to … Read More »
That First Conversation with Your Spouse About Divorce
October 4, 2021
A decision to divorce, ideally, is mutual. But most often, initially, it is not. Yet one spouse must be the one to initiate the discussion. If you’re that initiating spouse, then this is for you. If you are not, this blog is also for you. … Read More »
HAS COVID INCREASED THE DIVORCE RATE IN THE HUDSON VALLEY?
August 9, 2021
Many people have asked us whether there is an increase in divorce since the shutdown of 2020. Although it is too early to really know, it seems to us that it may not be so, even though we have been very busy since July of … Read More »
Kathryn Lazar leads professional workshops
October 6, 2019
Kathryn Lazar, founder of the law firm Lazar & Schwartz and of MH Mediation, will present workshops at national conferences of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) and the Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM) in October and November of 2019, adding to her … Read More »
Thinking of Splitting Up? Read This First
September 30, 2019
If you are considering separating from your spouse, you are probably having a million thoughts a minute. It is a difficult choice, with lots of implications, so it makes sense to slow down and think clearly. Question One: Should I stay or should I go? … Read More »
Divorcing and Difficult Conversations – Where to Begin
September 28, 2019
DEALING PRODUCTIVELY WITH CHANGE TAKES COURAGE — BUT IT’S WORTH THE EFFORT Getting separated or divorced often requires having many difficult conversations. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start. If you are in the process of divorcing or are considering separation, read on. One … Read More »
Thinking About Divorce–What to Consider First
September 26, 2019
PERSONAL, FINANCIAL, AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS You’re thinking about divorce. It’s a complicated process, whether you look at it emotionally, financially or legally. You are likely feeling all different emotions, sometimes minute to minute it changes – anger, confusion, fear, hurt, maybe nothing. This is totally … Read More »
Collaborative Divorce–A Process Option Whose Time Has Come
September 24, 2019
WHY COUPLES CHOOSE COLLABORATIVE LAW OVER COURT Kim Ciesinski recently wrote an excellent article in the New York Law Journal explaining the advantages of collaborative law over litigation in divorce cases. She identifies upsides including client-driven negotiation, privacy, emotional guidance and financial expertise. In addition, she characterizes … Read More »
Legal Consultations–Fee or Free?
September 22, 2019
WHY SOME LAWYERS CHARGE A CONSULTATION FEE AND SOME DON’T We are sometimes asked why we charge a consultation fee when some attorneys give free consults. Our reasons are rooted in the quality of a potential client’s decision-making following the consultation. At Lazar & Schwartz … Read More »
