Ellen Feldman 
When couples go into divorce mediation, most of the time they have the best intentions, meaning they want the process to work. Unfortunately, some people make statements during mediation sessions that end up undermining the process, to the point where mediation ends up unsuccessful. In this article, I’d like to offer some mediation tips, and … Read more
In a perfect world, child support is calculated and implemented based on a formula. Number of overnights per year, who pays for health insurance to cover the children and salaries of both parents are entered into a software program, called Family Law Software, which determines the amount of child support a parent pays the other. … Read more
Wondering what to say in mediation? I have been co-mediating with Brian James for over 16 years and unfortunately, we have heard statements people make to their spouse that are offensive, mean, and that ultimately undermine the mediation process. On a positive note, Brian and I have also heard our clients say wonderful things—things that … Read more
Awhile ago, I wrote an article called 4 Things NOT to Say During Mediation. The article was extremely popular, so I thought I’d write part 2– what NOT to say during mediation Here is What NOT to say during mediation, part 2 1. YOU wanted the divorce so you can pay for the mediator/attorney. … Read more
My partner Brian James and I have been co-mediating for over 15 years. For the most part, we are quite successful, but occasionally we lose a couple to litigation or they decide to have their attorneys complete the divorce. If they have been successful in mediating the parenting plan (schedule for their children and holidays … Read more
For the past 15 years of being a divorce mediator, I’ve seen countless scenarios of divorce. Every single case is unique. That said, there is one thing I find almost always in couples: sadness. Whether you were totally blindsided by your spouse’s decision, or getting divorced was your decision after years of trying to make … Read more
My co-mediation partner and I get weekly calls from prospective clients asking about mediation. “How do I tell my spouse I want to divorce?” “We are friendly and do not want attorneys involved…” “We both love our children,” “This has been coming for a long time,” and other similar questions and statements. Oftentimes, my first … Read more
When I speak to potential clients, they have lots of questions. One in particular involves co-mediation; what is it and how does it make our practice unique? Having been part of the co-mediation practice, CEL & Associates, (with my business partner, Brian James) since 2007, I can answer that question, and also tell you that … Read more
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
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
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
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
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