Divorce Solutions

Separation and Divorce cost money.   The amount depends on which process you choose to get it done.   Alternative dispute resolution processes such as Family Mediation, Arbitration or Collaborative Law all cost far less than litigation.     So what's the best route to follow after it's all said and done and the financial issues have settled?
In this episode Family Mediator Jamie West chats with Melissa MacLean who&apo...

Dividing up the "business" of marriage can seem overwhelming and frightening.  Things like the matrimonial home are subject to different rules for division at separation than say an RRSP, pension or antique car or cottage.   The good news is that with some careful consideration and planning a lot of headaches can be avoided.  It's really all about being or getting, organized as we hear from lawyer and mediator Angeli...

The words Narcissist and Gaslighting are two of the most overused and common words in society today.    The truth is we do live in a much more self-centred society these days, but not everyone we believe is a Narcissist is truly one by the clinical standards of the DSM. 
However,  if it walks like, talks like and acts like a narcissist, there's a very good chance, regardless of formal diagnoses, that the person IS, in fact...

Richard Fast is an expert on thinking.   He's the creator of the wildly popular game Mindtrap, which has sold millions worldwide.     The number of decisions you must make during separation and divorce can be overwhelming.   That's why it's crucial to understand how your mind works to make better decisions than simply acting out of impulse or a "feeling" that the decision is sound.
As Jamie West and Tra...

The mysterious Family Mediation session will be much less mysterious after you listen to this episode wherein Tracy Miller and Jamie West paint a picture of a much more productive and cost-effective way to approach your separation.   Jamie even delves into some personal information that should serve as a wake-up call to anyone with a scorched-earth mentality around divorce.   

jwest@westpromediation.com


.....tracy@mill...

Waiting til the holidays are over for the sake of the kids is a common philosophy for separating couples.  But once the January bills arrive and the decorations are put away, you are faced with what to do as the first step in separating from your partner.
In this episode, Lawyer Tracy Miller and Family Mediator Jamie West discuss what your first steps should be.    You will likely be surprised at the answers.

jwest@westpromediat...

How are you doing?  Really? Ok.    If you've listened to the various episodes of Divorce Solutions, you know how strongly we feel about self-care.    There's a reason emergency airline protocols require you to place the oxygen mask over your face first before helping others.   
The same applies to separation.   You cannot think properly or help your children through this challenging time unless you retain as much of y...

Aside from decision-making and parenting time, nothing creates more conflict in separating couples than setting up a holiday parenting schedule. That's why it's essential to nail things down in writing so everything is clear regarding expectations from both sides.     As we hear from Family Mediator Jamie West and Lawyer and Family Mediator Tracy Miller,  you must accept that things will not be the same as before decoupli...

When you're decoupling, as seems to be the buzzword these days, all you want is to get it all done and dusted as fast as possible.   Well, how possible is fast?  Not very, is the answer.   Regardless of the dispute resolution path you choose (and we strongly encourage Mediation or Collaborative dispute resolution), it will not be all over within a few days or few weeks.   At best it will take a few months.  Choose litigation, ...

Family Mediation is growing in popularity for a good reason,  it saves time, money, stress and allows decoupling parties to maintain control over the decisions they make about the parenting of the children and their property.    Why hand all of that over to a judge who is a perfect stranger?   The only people who should litigate are high conflict parties but with some professional help even those who are high conflict can learn to ...

In this episode, the myths surrounding common-law relationships and separation are discussed.     As with most issues in Family Law, the specifics surrounding each family's circumstances determine how the case will resolve.    As we hear again from veteran Family Law expert Tracy Miller and Divorce Communications Coach and Mediator Jamie West, alternative forms of dispute resolution are the way to go whether you live common-la...

In this episode, we welcome back Parenting Coordinator Annette Katchaluba of By Peaceful Waters.     Annette says one of the challenges of helping parents and children going through a separation is managing everyone's expectations, including time management and what is realistic emotionally and practically as "the new normal" takes root.    This is one episode you shouldn't skip over as we hear from Family Lawye...

It's something that separated parents often consider when getting involved with a new romantic interest.    It's also something separated parents fail to consider when someone new comes along.
When is the best time to introduce your new romantic interest or partner to your kids?   It depends, as we hear now from Divorce Communications Coach Jamie West and Family Lawyer Tracy Miller.  

jwest@westpromediation.com

In this episode we meet Annette Katchaluba who is a social worker and practicing Parenting Coordinator.   These professionals can often help parents sort out the confusion and conflict, resolving important and emotional family matters that litigation simply cannot.    Family Lawyer Tracy Miller and Divorce Communications Coach Jamie West get right to the heart of how useful a parenting coordinator can be not only in helping achieve...