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 »
Getting Divorced? Put YOUR Oxygen Mask On: five strategies for surviving a break up
September 20, 2019
One of the biggest challenges people experience when beginning the separation and divorce process is maintaining their sense of sanity. Most people experience a wide range of emotions, and get caught up in the details of their own personal life. For most adults, this interferes … 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 »
Divorce Consultation
September 16, 2019
You’re thinking about divorce, a big decision. One of the biggest decisions a person will ever make. A big decision on many levels, not the least of which is, what should I consider, where should I start and should I talk with a lawyer? Your … Read More »
Splitting Annuities in Divorce
September 14, 2019
Is an annuity account in your divorce picture? An annuity can seem harder to split than a marriage, according to an article in the May 2016 issue of Research Magazine. An annuity account gives the account holder the right to receive periodic payments, usually fixed … Read More »