If you are in a committed relationship and share kids, you are co-parenting every day. However, this co-parenting relationship can change dramatically if you decide to separate or divorce. One of the most important tenets of co-parenting is effective communication. Strong communication is important but is also extremely difficult, especially as you navigate a divorce. AMS Mediation offers communication coaching
When you separate from your partner or decide that you are ready for a divorce, child custody can be one of the most difficult things to negotiate. In most cases, both parties indicate that they want what is best for the child (or children) but practically speaking–there may be different views on exactly what that is. If you are struggling to agree on the best path forward related to child custody, the Minnesota court system may
Sharing custody of your children is difficult for all involved. After all, when you had your kids, you imagined that you would likely live together as a family and see your kids most every day. Sharing custody after a divorce means that you are splitting that time with your ex. It is important to consider how to set up a custody agreement that will work for your family in the long term. Generally, in Minnesota, the courts want you to try to resolve the terms of your divorce (including a custody agreement) using an alternative dispute resolution technique instead of litigation. Post divorce issues are very hard to estimate unless you have a crystal ball.
A divorce that goes through the formal court process can seem very impersonal and harsh. You hire attorneys whose job it is to “win” at the cost of members of your own family. Decisions are left in the hands of a judge who does not know you personally. In fact, many divorce agreements that are developed through litigation need to be altered significantly down the road. AMS Mediation offers an alternative approach to the divorce
It is a common experience when you are an adult to hear from someone you trust that, in the long run, going through something truly difficult now will likely prove to be a good thing. Having a very bad boss and an unhealthy work situation, for example, could result in the immediate stress of leaving the job for an uncertain future. However, when you get a new and better job, hindsight allows you to understand that the new and better job would not have been possible without the initial, very undesirable job forcing a decision. There are many parallels between the employment stress described above and the realities of going through a divorce
It is not uncommon in the United States for couples who know their marriage is failing to decide that it is better to stay together because they have children. In many ways, the drive to stay together in a marriage that is not working is admirable. It is an indication of commitment to the little people who have added purpose and meaning to their parents’ lives. But, for the vast majority of those couples, staying together in a marriage that is a marriage in name only is untenable and can sometimes be unhealthy. AMS Mediation can help couples in such situations by building on the love they have for the children and easing them into the next chapter of their lives.
The safety of clients, ourselves, and colleagues is our top priority while we remain available to assist you as you navigate the new and uncharted territory caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
While providing virtual ADR services was not part of our plan, we have made the necessary accommodations to ensure we can continue to serve our clients during these unsettling times. All services are currently available through virtually. We are using Zoom for videoconferencing. We suggest that you download this app to your phone or the program to your computer at https://zoom.us/download.
We have resumed limited in-person services for sessions with 1 or 2 participants scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours. Masks are required in our building and in session. Availability is subject to change based on local regulations and CDC guidelines.
Our office hours remain the same and we remain available by phone and email. The main office number is 952.252.1492. Gabe can be reached via email at gabe@amsmediationplus.com.
We offer free 1-hour divorce consultations via Zoom. Potential PC and PTE clients are invited to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Please call 952.252.1492 to set up an appointment. We are here to help!
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adapt to these rapidly changing and chaotic times. Stay strong, stay resilient, and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Amber Serwat & Gabe Frye
ADR Professional & ADR Assistant
