What is the Importance of a Prenup

By Stephanie | July 9, 2024
Prenup paper with pen and hearts on paper

Most couples who are soon to be tying the knot have long to-do lists. But most often, mediating a prenup agreement is not on that list. Mediating a premarital agreement…

Read More →

Starting Over Financially After Divorce

By Stephanie | June 11, 2024
Man calculating bills

Divorce is one of the most challenging life transitions, especially concerning finances. But it doesn’t have to be a bitter, drawn-out battle as often seen in court-litigated divorces. Collaborative mediation…

Read More →

Tips for Creating a Parenting Plan for Summer

By Stephanie | May 7, 2024
Woman creating a parenting plan

Coordinating summer activities can be challenging when you share custody of your children with your ex-spouse, especially when there are a lot of events involved. There will always be schedule…

Read More →

Divorce: Should You Keep the House or Divide All Assets

By Stephanie | April 9, 2024
Post it notes with asset allocation, cash, real estate, stocks, bonds

When you are experiencing the bumpy journey of divorce, there are a lot of questions and concerns, and more often than not, they are overwhelming. And there’s no right or…

Read More →

Should You Refinance Your Home After Divorce?

By Stephanie | March 12, 2024
Image of hand drawing house with refinance your home at the top

When discussing the family home while divorcing, it is important to be transparent and open to discussion. One of you may want to stay in your home, while the other…

Read More →

What Do You Tell Your Kids About Your Divorce?

By Stephanie | February 6, 2024
Mother talking to daughter

When we speak with parents who are divorcing and have children, we often help them draft a conversation to share with their children to meet their needs and age level.…

Read More →

What is the difference between separation and divorce?

By Stephanie | January 12, 2024
Wedding rings

There are several ways to proceed once you and your spouse decide to move forward with a marital dissolution. Often we meet with clients to help them understand the difference…

Read More →

How is Child Support Calculated?

By Stephanie | January 9, 2024
Paper with child support payments on it with money

Understanding how child support is calculated can help divorcing couples make informed decisions, fostering a smoother process. In an amicable divorce or mediation, transparency and cooperation are key. This allows…

Read More →

Tips for Moving on After Divorce

By Stephanie | December 13, 2023
Two women talking over coffee.

While divorce may seem like an ending, it can be a gateway to a new beginning. It might be hard for you to know where to start. If you’re looking…

Read More →

How Can a Financial Specialist Help in Your Divorce?

By Stephanie | October 10, 2023
Accountant sitting at desk

Managing your financial situation becomes a central concern when you opt for collaborative divorce or mediation to achieve an amicable marital separation. In this article, we will explore the instrumental…

Read More →

Financial Steps to Take When You Are Divorcing

By Stephanie | September 12, 2023
Woman sitting at table managing finances

Divorce can be financially challenging, but you can navigate it smoothly with the right steps, especially through mediation. At Peace Talks, we specialize in helping couples achieve amicable divorces, including…

Read More →

Dealing with Divorce as a Single Parent

By Stephanie | August 9, 2023
Mother with son

Divorce isn’t easy, especially when kids are involved. As a collaborative divorce mediator, I understand the challenges you face. Here’s practical advice for dealing with divorce as a single parent…

Read More →

Coping with Emotional Stress During Divorce

By Stephanie | July 12, 2023

It’s essential to prioritize self-care and find healthy ways to cope with the stress that comes with divorce. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some practical strategies that can help…

Read More →

How to Survive Financially When Going Through a Gray Divorce?

By Stephanie | June 7, 2023
Lady calculating on calculator

Navigating a gray divorce comes with unique financial considerations, but careful planning and informed decisions can help secure your financial future. Here are key strategies to survive financially during a…

Read More →

Should You Use Social Media When Going Through a Divorce?

By Stephanie | May 10, 2023

As digital devices and social media have become a significant part of life, smartphones and social media platforms are also integral part of our everyday lives. People frequently want to…

Read More →

The Importance of Therapy During Divorce

By Stephanie | April 12, 2023
Couple in divorce therapy

When a marriage breaks down, it can be challenging for couples to understand why and when the communication lines broke down. It’s essential to find a way to reopen those…

Read More →

Money Mistakes to Avoid When You Divorce

By Stephanie | March 9, 2023
Woman calculating finances

When couples are divorcing through a litigated court divorce, there is most often chaos and a lot of uncertainty – emotions can run high and hot. But when you and…

Read More →

Takeaways From a Pandemic Divorce

By Stephanie | February 8, 2023
Face mask with rings laying on it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous changes and challenges to our daily lives, and the divorce process is no exception. When you utilize the collaborative divorce model, you have access…

Read More →

Creating New Holiday Traditions for Your Family After Divorce

By Stephanie | December 14, 2022
Baking cookies

Facebook and Instagram would have everyone believing that everyone’s holidays are jolly, bright and perfect! And that can be so very far from the reality of what the holiday season…

Read More →

How to Survive the Holiday’s During Divorce

By Stephanie | November 2, 2022
Woman sitting on couch looking at ipad.

The holidays are a time for family and friends, not for turmoil, but when divorce is part of the equation, it can feel like peace will never be found. Social…

Read More →

Reasons Why Baby Boomers May Choose Collaborative Divorce

By Stephanie | October 13, 2022
Man and woman sitting across from one another.

Baby Boomers were born between 1946-1964 and after World War II ended. They came after the Silent Generation and before Generation X. The Pew Research Center recorded that couples divorcing…

Read More →

Understanding Spousal Support in California

By Stephanie | September 14, 2022
Dice stacked on top of one another spelling support.

One of the questions that often arise during the divorce process is how spousal support will be handled and how it will affect the post-divorce financial landscape. When a couple…

Read More →

Why You Shouldn’t Hide Assets In Your Divorce

By Stephanie | August 10, 2022
Figuring assets

If you are looking to divorce your partner using the collaborative divorce process, it is important not to hide any financial assets and be completely transparent.   Couples agree to…

Read More →

Importance of Child Therapy During Divorce

By Stephanie | July 13, 2022
Little girl sitting talking with therapist.

Children are not always open books; it is quite hard to read their emotions sometimes, and they don’t come with an instruction book. And when your family is in the…

Read More →

How to reduce the negative effects of divorce on your children

By Stephanie | May 11, 2022
Little girl blowing bubbles

The collateral emotional damage that divorce can cause is not just limited to the couple getting the divorce. It also extends to the family’s children, no matter their age. “It…

Read More →

Why Is Pre-Marriage Mediation Important?

By Stephanie | April 13, 2022
Mediation written out with pen laying next to it.

While not on the top of your mind when preparing for a marriage, a pre-marital financial agreement is a task that should be added to the marital to-do list. Many…

Read More →

Tips On How To Save for Retirement After Divorce

By Stephanie | March 17, 2022
Retirement written on a paved road.

When you find yourself on the divorce road, you know in your gut that everything you hold dear will change. You will find yourself with a different financial portfolio, often…

Read More →

Financial Impact of Divorce on Women

By Stephanie | February 9, 2022
Woman figuring out finances.

When you are a woman going through a divorce, you may find that you are financially impacted in ways your male counterpart is not, especially with a court-litigated divorce process.…

Read More →

Will I Lose My House During My Divorce?

By Stephanie | January 12, 2022
Picture of home.

It’s completely understandable to have a million questions swirling around in your head – divorce can be a lonely and grueling space to live in and sometimes you may feel…

Read More →

How to Keep Conflict Low During a Divorce

By Stephanie | January 12, 2022
Woman and man standing back to back

While going through a divorce can be one of life’s most stressful events, that stress can be reduced by keeping the conflict low.  The first step in keeping conflict low…

Read More →

Things Parents Should Consider When Divorcing

By Stephanie | September 8, 2021
Little girl holding mom and dads hand walking down the sidewalk.

When you and your spouse decide it is time to start the divorce process, there are many things to think about and add to your to-do list.  And when the…

Read More →

Professional Roles in Collaborative Mediation: Lawyers

By nickeyh | September 6, 2021
Lawyer sitting at desk.

You and your spouse have decided to separate, and you are looking for an amicable split.  What is the best approach? Collaborative Divorce is an alternative option to litigation that…

Read More →

The Stages of Grief During Divorce

By Stephanie | August 12, 2021
Man sitting and thinking.

When going through a divorce, your emotions can feel like a never-ending grief rollercoaster and the ups and downs of this emotional journey can be hard to understand.  What you…

Read More →

Alimony – How New Tax Rules Can Affect It

By Stephanie | June 6, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal tax filings have been extended until July 15, 2020. Often couples are blindsided by the tax impact of getting a divorce, but when you…

Read More →

Creating a Financial Plan for Temporary Finances While Going through the Coronavirus

By Stephanie | May 6, 2020

The novel coronavirus has not only sickened many, but it has also cut off our various income streams, and our financial security is at risk. And if you find yourself…

Read More →

Can the Coronavirus Affect Child Custody?

By Stephanie | April 15, 2020

While we battle the COVID-19 virus, even though it seems the world has stopped, there are still many other high stressors at play, such as families who are trying to…

Read More →

Helping You Divorce During the Coronavirus

By Stephanie | March 18, 2020

Going through a divorce can be difficult enough, but adding the Coronavirus to the mix can make it more challenging. Peace-Talks Mediation Services is here to help you through this…

Read More →

How a Co-Parenting Plan Can Help You

By Stephanie | March 11, 2020

Divorce can be extremely emotionally draining on the spouses, but more often than not, the toll it takes on the children in the family is often overlooked. But did you…

Read More →

Creating a New You After Divorce

By Stephanie | February 19, 2020

“Out with the old, in with the new” is a famous quote that refers to a person making personal changes in their life. After a divorce, many people struggle to…

Read More →

Starting a New Year After Divorce

By Stephanie | December 23, 2019

As 2019 wound down, and your divorce was finalized, you may find yourself asking many questions, some of which may be: How can I make the most of 2020 as…

Read More →

What to Ask the Mediator

By Stephanie | October 16, 2019

Divorce mediators can make or break a divorce agreement. In order work with an effective divorce facilitator, you and your soon-to-be-ex need to vet them by asking a series of…

Read More →

Why You Should Hire a Divorce Mediator

By Stephanie | September 11, 2019

Life is full of twist and turns! Often, we don’t know what road we should go down. The “divorce” road is filled with enormous potholes that wreak havoc on custody,…

Read More →

Tips on How to Tell Your Children You Are Getting a Divorce

By Stephanie | June 19, 2019

One of the hardest moments in a divorce is sharing with your children that you and your spouse will be separating. It’s so hard to know how to start and…

Read More →

How Does A Divorce Change Your Finances?

By Stephanie | May 22, 2019
How Does A Divorce Change Your Finances? - Peace Talks Mediation Services - Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Finances - Copyright: dolgachov / 123RF Stock Photo

Are you in the very beginning stages of getting a divorce? Concerned at what your financial landscape will look like once your separation has been finalized? One thing is for…

Read More →

Getting A Trust For The Sake of the Kids

By Stephanie | April 10, 2019

If You Have Children, You Should Get a Trust! For most of us, our children are our most precious “possessions”. At Peace Talks Mediation, we feel the exact same way…

Read More →

Protect Your Children: Get a Will!

By Stephanie | March 20, 2019

While many of us may believe that estate planning is only for the rich or the elderly, you should know that this process is essential if you have children. At…

Read More →

Tax Breaks for the Divorced Circa 2019

By Stephanie | March 5, 2019

“Lower tax-refunds” has been a subject in the news a lot recently. It is something that that’s a real issue for most people paying taxes. The fact that less tax…

Read More →

Divorce Mediation Primer

By Stephanie | January 29, 2019

I came across a nice synopsis of why mediation for your divorce may be the smartest choice. It is safe to say that most couples facing divorce expect the experience…

Read More →

Creative Co-Parenting

By Stephanie | January 24, 2019

One of the great dynamics that we participate in at our Divorce Mediation sessions at PeaceTalks is the age-old mantra “necessity is the mother of invention.” Once we’re able to establish…

Read More →

Amazon Fairness and Divorce, Oh My!

By Stephanie | January 21, 2019

For anyone who can’t let go of that “Money=Happiness” thing, just read and be kind of glad that you don’t have so much money that God borrows from you. The divorce…

Read More →

Less Painful Divorces

By Stephanie | January 21, 2019

With just less than half of married partners ending in divorce, therapists over time have developed some suggestions for making the process possibly less painful for everyone. You will see…

Read More →

Divorce Mediation Means Talking

By Stephanie | January 21, 2019

In getting to a mutually agreeable divorce settlement we make progress, literally, by getting couples to communicate with each other. Many couples find it difficult to communicate. Our therapist mediator will…

Read More →

Amazon Fairness and Divorce, Oh My!

By Stephanie | January 17, 2019

For anyone who can’t let go of that “Money=Happiness” thing, just read and be kind of glad that you don’t have so much money that God borrows from you. The divorce…

Read More →

Change In Divorce Mediation for 2019

By Stephanie | January 3, 2019

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a new law that changes the California Evidence Code that requires attorneys representing clients in mediation to provide disclosures in writing about mediation confidentiality. The…

Read More →

Post Divorce Portfolio Balancing Act

By Stephanie | December 31, 2018

All investors review their investments annually, and in light of the market’s recent volatility, it would be wise to review your investments soon as the new tax laws may affect…

Read More →

Should We Try Mediation?

By Stephanie | December 28, 2018

The following was excerpted from an article in the Boston Herald by Wendy Hickey Should We Try Mediation? The answer is yes for most people. The majority of couples we see…

Read More →

Take A Cell Holiday

By Stephanie | December 24, 2018

Impossible as it sounds there are people that swear by this strategy, even for short bursts of time, to alleviate the insidious stress of constant interaction and relentless, shifting deadlines.…

Read More →

Christmas Magic Before and After Divorce

By Stephanie | December 20, 2018

There are some great points in this article (link below) that are very relevant to both children of the before group as well as those dealing annually with the “split family” holiday…

Read More →

More Divorce Mediator Tips

By Stephanie | December 18, 2018

Here’s a couple more tips from the article I saw by Oren Kaufmann on the Mediate.com website. Don’t be penny wise and pound-foolish. Imagine the following not so unusual scenario. You…

Read More →

Mediator Tips On Divorce Difficulties

By Stephanie | December 13, 2018

There are a lot of commonalities with divorce and lessons from shared experiences can be extremely helpful when going through extremely stressful situations like divorce negotiations. Some great suggestions were…

Read More →

A Potential Tax Move For 2018 Divorce

By Stephanie | December 10, 2018

As the commercial says “I’m not a tax advisor and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night…” but a piece by Dan Caplinger from The Motley Fool might…

Read More →

Divorce Mediation Misconceptions

By Stephanie | December 8, 2018

I came across an article in Divorce Magazine by Susan E. Guthrie that echoed familiar misconceptions that we come across at PeaceTalks, as do many of our colleagues. Here are a…

Read More →

Taking Stock In Your Divorce

By Stephanie | December 7, 2018

In light of the changes in the tax laws and the recent roller coaster volatility in the stock market it might be prudent to talk with your financial advisor about…

Read More →

Creative Not Clueless Divorce

By Stephanie | November 30, 2018

Besides the slight “Dog Bites Man” slant to another celebrity divorce, with the wife paying alimony, I want to highlight another example of the kind of “creative agreements” that PeaceTalks encourages…

Read More →

Overstaying In A Bad Marriage

By Stephanie | November 26, 2018

I came across this article and recognized some of the dynamics as themes that we see at PeaceTalks on a regular and all too frequent basis. It sometimes helps if…

Read More →

Celebrity Divorces and Mediation

By Stephanie | November 20, 2018

I came across an article by Jill Stanley, who covers celebrity legal stories, as to why some celebrities choose mediation for their divorce process. Using some couples from Malibu as a general…

Read More →

Quotes From Divorce Veterans

By Stephanie | November 14, 2018

There was an article in the Sunday LA Times by Ben Steverman of Bloomberg News with some very clear advice from some divorce professionals that have been doing this for…

Read More →

What to Ask the Mediator

By Stephanie | November 9, 2018

For people screening referrals they have received to mediation services some questions are best dealt with at the very beginning of the process. Even couples that may have already made…

Read More →

Co-Parenting Before and After Divorce

By Stephanie | November 7, 2018

From the time that the emotional separation begins on the path to a divorce there will be transition period while still sharing the house and marking the beginning of the…

Read More →

Divorce Last Minute Loophole

By Stephanie | November 7, 2018

For anyone that is still facing the December 31 deadline for filing here’s some possible relief from some of that anxiety. A lot of people have come to Peace Talks worried,…

Read More →

Divorce and IRA’s – Watch Your Assets

By Stephanie | October 25, 2018

Understanding different types of retirement assets, and the costs and taxes associated with each, when liquidated, can help you make informed decisions. Always consult with your financial and tax advisors during…

Read More →

Money, Debt and Divorce

By Stephanie | October 23, 2018

Dividing Debts in Divorce One of the bad surprises that we see in the divorce process is the amount of money that is owed by both parties as individuals, and…

Read More →

Divorce TV Style

By Stephanie | October 19, 2018

I get a kick out of how many people come to Peace Talks and talk about their divorce concerns and situations referencing plot lines from television shows. Being in Los Angeles…

Read More →

Divorce Lawyer Secrets

By Stephanie | October 18, 2018

Peace Talks, by definition, gives people the opportunity to talk about everything that is relevant to reaching an amicable agreement. This applies, as well, to all the legal advisors that come…

Read More →

Co-Parenting: Your Own Way Is Best

By Stephanie | October 11, 2018

Fortunately, most of the couples we see at Peace Talks are already focused on the common goal of an amicable agreement, the only choice that is always best for the…

Read More →

Divorce – Ready or Not?

By Stephanie | October 10, 2018

Recently, I’ve been encountering a lot of feedback related to people “rushing” to a divorce, before being informed, as to what needs to be done ahead of time. Here are some…

Read More →

Common Questions About Divorce

By Stephanie | October 4, 2018

Here are a few of the questions that come up most often when people are their evaluating their options in relation to the divorce process. If you have some questions…

Read More →

New Tax Law Prompting Flood of Accelerated Divorces

By Stephanie | September 27, 2018

New tax law prompting flood of accelerated divorces as Dec. 31 deadline looms David Garrick, The San Diego Union-Tribune The term “accelerated divorces” got my attention yesterday when an edited…

Read More →

Divorce Does Not Equal Failure

By Stephanie | September 26, 2018

Divorce isn’t a failure, therapists say. In fact, it could mean the marriage was a success. The overwhelming feeling of failureis almost impossible to avoid when divorce becomes a reality.…

Read More →

Stress Rehearsal

By Stephanie | September 17, 2018

Every now and then even a “general” survey can be of use for a “specific” purpose. Dr. Grande highlights four common stress sources, from the Harris Interactive survey, for couples…

Read More →

Some Co-Parenting Needs an Assist

By Stephanie | September 6, 2018

One of the most frustrating constants we see in Divorce Mediation is that a surprising percentage of the children involved will have adjustment issues that will need to be addressed…

Read More →

Divorce-A Coach Might Help

By Stephanie | July 9, 2018

At Peace Talks we have been doing a lot of “coaching” with the overwhelming process of divorce, from divorcing parents and premaritals as well as legal and psychological practitioners. Here’s…

Read More →

Divorce And Suicide – All Too Related

By Stephanie | June 7, 2018

by Stephanie Maloney Even if you don’t shop for “Designer” fashions there’s a good chance the name “Kate Spade” is one you’ve seen somewhere before her recent suicide. Suicide is…

Read More →

Will “Calendar Crush” Push “Hybrid Settlement”?

By Stephanie | June 1, 2018

by Stephanie Maloney If you are getting a divorce before the end of 2018 you should be aware of the 30th of June as the final day to file your paperwork.  If…

Read More →

Spring Cleaning

By Stephanie | March 20, 2018

by Stephanie Maloney As we finally are getting some much-needed rain I keep thinking about things, besides the social and political black holes, that are ripe for clean up. With…

Read More →

Don’t Overtax Yourself & Do It Now

By Stephanie | February 13, 2018

by Stephanie Maloney The new tax legislation will necessitate adjustments for many people dealing with alimony payments-both paying and receiving. When you start to factor in things like tuition and…

Read More →

Divorce Mediation vs. Traditional Divorce

By Stephanie | October 27, 2016

No divorce process is completely stress free, but if you choose mediation to settle your divorce case, you could save on time, stress, and money. While divorce mediation is not…

Read More →

Collaborative Divorce The Best Way To Divorce In California

By Stephanie | April 10, 2016

You have decided your marriage is not working out. You want to divorce, but your friends have told you horror stories about dragging your divorce through the court system. You…

Read More →

Categories