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 »
Kathryn Lazar completes 1,000 mediations
September 19, 2019
Kathryn Lazar, founder of MH Mediation, recently completed her one-thousandth mediation. A mediator for nearly 40 years, she founded MH Mediation in 1981, offering mediation for every sort of matrimonial dispute, as well as family, business and estate mediation. Of cases mediated during her tenure, … Read More »
Kathryn Lazar and Leonard Klein to emcee Dutchess Bar Association program
September 19, 2019
The Hudson Valley Collaborative Divorce & Dispute Resolution Association will present “Divorce Today: Fresh Perspectives on Divorce” September 26, 2019, from 8:30 to 4:30 under the auspices of the Dutchess County Bar Association. Kathryn Lazar and Leonard Klein will be MC’s. Topics for the day-long … Read More »
DIVORCE MEDIATION – can I have my own attorney?
September 18, 2019
The title of the children’s book It Takes a Village could apply just as easily to divorce. Psychologists, social workers and financial advisors all have perspectives that may be useful to divorcing spouses, and many practitioners in these disciplines have successful businesses as divorce coaches. However, one … Read More »
