Divorce: Why Going to an Attorney is the Last Thing You Should Do

August 29, 2008

Hello,

As founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.

Today, I am excited to introduce Ed Sherman, a Family Law Attorney and one of the Panel of Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.

Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg

Divorce: Why Going to an Attorney is the Last Thing You Should Do

As a family law attorney for over 35 years, I tell you that unless you face an emergency running to an attorney should be the last thing you do. Retaining an attorney before you are informed and prepared is the most common cause of unnecessary suffering and expense. This is because the legal system and lawyers who work in it are a primary source of increased conflict and expense.

I am not saying you should never get help from an attorney, but that it should not be the first thing you do, or the second, or the third. There are some important things you should do first–things that will save you a lot of time, trouble and money.

If you do go to an attorney, it should only be after you have read the simple but essential information and advice in Make Any Divorce Better.

More valuable Information…

Divorce- How Do I Know if I Am Doing the Right Thing?

July 21, 2008

Hello,

As founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.

I am excited to introduce Attorney David Cassella, one of the Family Law Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.

Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg

Divorce- How Do I Know if I Am Doing The Right Thing?

This article is directed to those women with children who are currently contemplating a divorce or who are in the process of divorce. During my years of practice I have represented a wide spectrum of women, ranging from highly educated corporate go-getters to minimum wage folks who spoke English as a second language.

No matter what the socioeconomic status of these clients, most expressed one primary worry: “How do I know if I am doing the right thing?” Now, this is a loaded question if ever there was one. What did these women mean by “the right thing?”

Keep reading…

Why Divorce Mediation?

June 24, 2008

Hello,

As founder of the Fresh Start after Divorce Community, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.

Today, I am excited to introduce the Peaceful Divorce Expert for the Fresh Start after Divorce Community, Belinda Rachman, Esq..

Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg

Why Divorce Mediation?

You are thinking of divorce and worrying about how your children will fare. It is your job to protect them and you can chose to have a peaceful divorce. A mind works best, like a parachute, when it is open. There are very creative ways to divide property and to share children if both parties keep their eye on the prize, the well being of the children. They didn’t ask for this drama and it is possible to shield them if the two of you work at it. The idea of “working at it” may sound odd to a couple who is about to break up just because their relationship isn’t “working” but if you have children together your job will never end. There will be weddings and grandchildren and holidays for the rest of your life. If you start World War III now, with the kids caught in the middle, they are going to have to do a lot of duck and cover as your verbal bullets whiz over their heads.

Take a step back and focus on the children. No matter what perceived wrongs may or may not have happened to you, this is where you are right now and playing the blame game may make you feel better but it is not productive. A little rational thought instead of playing victim to your own feelings is what is needed most right now. The more you focus on anger, the more anger you will feel. Focus on the children now instead. Which of you has been the primary caretaker of the children? Spousal and child support is usually not enough to maintain the life to which you have become accustomed which means stay at home parents will have to go to work. So if both of you are working then you really get a chance to look at a shared custody situation. It is hard to raise a child alone. Sometimes you really need a break for your own sake.

Read the rest of Belinda’s article

ABUSED BY A FAMILY MEMBER: WHAT CAN I DO?

June 6, 2008

Hello from Joanie Winberg, the Founder of the Fresh Start after Divorce

Our goal for the Fresh Start after Divorce Community is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you through the emotional roller coaster of divorce.
I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve. Today, I am excited to share with you very powerful tips from one of the Family Law Experts for the Fresh Start after Divorce Community, Attorney Mark Greene.

ABUSED BY A FAMILY MEMBER: WHAT CAN I DO?

If you or your child are being abused or threatened with abuse by a family or household member, there is a law to help you: Chapter 209A of the General Laws of Massachusetts.A family or a household member as defined by Chapter 209A includes:

• a current or former spouse
• a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend or fiancee
• a person who currently or formerly lived with you in the same household
• a person related by blood
• a person currently or formerly related by marriage
• a person with whom you have a child in common, even if you have never married or lived with that person

Abuse as defined by Chapter 209A includes:

• physical harm to you or an attempt to physically harm you
• placing you in fear of imminent serious physical harm forcing you to engage in sex by force, threat or duress

How Chapter 209A worksYou may request protection from abuse by filling out an easy-to-understand form called a complaint. These forms are available in the Superior Court, the Boston Municipal Court, the Probate and Family Court and the District Court. If you request, the court can order that your address in the court file be kept confidential from the abuser and his or her attorney.

The court may protect you in a number of ways including, but not limited to:

• ordering the abuser to stop abusing and/or contacting you or your child
• ordering the abuser to move out of the household and remain away for up to one year (this time may be extended if needed)
• ordering that you be given custody of, and paid support, for a minor child.In addition, the defendant also may have to pay for your shelter or emergency housing, loss of earnings or support, medical expenses, moving expenses, property damage and reasonable attorney’s fees.
• the court usually orders that the abuser surrender firearms, identification cards and permits.

Read More