When you think about mediation, your probably think about how you're working through property division or child custody disputes with a third party. What you may not realize is how good mediation can be in your everyday life as well. The tips and tricks you learn during your divorce mediation sessions have a direct impact on your children.
Child custody in Connecticut: Being aware of potential problems
Children often take the breakups of their parents' marriages the hardest. So, when it comes time for the separating couple in Connecticut to discuss child custody, being aware of the potential snags and how to overcome them may help their children through a very emotional time. Communicating and cooperating with each other is a step in the right direction.
Should there be physical separation before divorce?
Ending a marriage is a decision most couples never enter into lightly. Divorce is not only stressful and potentially costly, but it can affect other aspects of life such as friendships and family relationships. But if a Connecticut couple has tried and they see no way to fix their marriage, perhaps physically separating before making a final decision to divorce may help each person make that final decision to either reconcile or to divorce.
Divorce is no long a four letter word
There used to be a time when just the mention of the word divorce would cause all kinds of embarrassment and shame. But divorce has become commonplace in the 21st century, and instead of hiding in the shadows like people used to do in the 30s and 40s, divorced couples can hold their heads high since splitting up these days doesn't hold the stigma it once did. So, Connecticut couples who divorce no longer have to view themselves as relationship challenged.
Don't discount a 401(k) in a divorce agreement
Not everything is on the table when it comes to asset distribution when a couple separates. Some Connecticut couples heading toward divorce may not be aware that a partner's retirement or 401(k) plan could be a divisible asset if it meets certain criteria regarding the laws that govern retirement plans. In most instances, federal law provides that these types of plans can't be switched over to someone else; however, there is a provision that allows a family court to order a retirement plan be shared with a spouse.