14 QUESTIONS MY SON ASKED ABOUT MY DIVORCE AND WHAT I ANSWERED

I spent 16 years married to the man I once believed was the love of my life and my soulmate. We met as teenagers, and were a couple for more than 24 years when we separated. Together we brought three beautiful children into this world, so I will never regret the time we spent married. Not for a moment.
With that said, coming to terms with how a relationship of such epic proportion could so quickly and callously come to an end has been nothing short of emotionally grueling. Worse, I remained powerless as my three children suffered alongside of me, trying to reconcile their own feelings about why their parents were splitting. Like any mother, I wanted nothing more than to kiss each of my children on the forehead and make all of their pain go away.
To continue viewing this article by Stacey Freeman, J.D., please click:
http://divorcedmoms.com/blogs/middleagedman-ia/14-questions-my-son-asked-about-my-divorce-and-what-i-answered

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

TIPS FOR DIVORCING PARENTS

What's the best way to help your family get through a divorce? Every situation — and every family — is different. But some stress reducing guidelines might make the adjustment a bit easier.

These suggestions can make the process less painful for kids, teens, and families. Parents will need to interpret them in their own ways; honesty, sensitivity, self-control, and time itself will help the healing process. Be patient — not everyone's timetable is the same.

To continue viewing this article from Kid's Health please click:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/divorce.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle#

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

HELPING YOUR CHILD THROUGH A DIVORCE

Thousands of kids experience the stress of divorce each year. How they react depends on their age, personality, and the circumstances of the separation and divorce process.

Every divorce will affect the kids involved — and many times the initial reaction is one of shock, sadness, frustration, anger, or worry. But kids also can come out of it better able to cope with stress, and many become more flexible, tolerant young adults.

To continue viewing this article from Kid's Health please click:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/help_child_divorce.html

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

We are ecstatic to report that we are one of the top 3 Family law Offices in the San Francisco Bay Area. See SF Recorder to see who is top in every kind of practice and legal resources.

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SHOULD I CREATE A CALIFORNIA PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT?

Don't prenups indicate a lack of trust?  Even though one in ten couples enter into some kind of prenuptial or premarital agreement (“prenups”), many fiancés remain reluctant to consider a prenup because they believe it seems unromantic and indicates a lack of trust. There are several reasons why this reluctance is misplaced.
You can gain control over your future financial situation.  If you don’t sign a prenup, your marriage will be governed by a complex set of laws. In California, these laws are the California Family Code and Probate Code. The choice is between a set of rules negotiated by you and your fiancé, or those imposed by the State, over which you will have no control. And remember, prenups can be drafted to protect both spouses, not just a wealthy spouse.
To continue viewing this article by Susan Bishop please click below:
http://www.divorcenet.com/states/california/california_prenuptial_agreements
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

NBA STAR DWAYNE WADE ON BEING A SINGLE DAD

I'm on the road a lot during the NBA season. Needless to say, I miss my sons, Zaire, who's 10, and Zion, 5, so much when I'm gone. As a single dad with sole custody of my children, keeping the lines of communication open while I'm traveling is the top priority. Zaire has a BlackBerry, and he loves to text and use instant messaging. Some days, we exchange up to 50 messages between us. Zion keeps asking if he can have his own phone, but I told him he has to wait until he's at least 7. For now, phone calls and Skype will have to do.
When I'm away, we always set aside a specific time to talk every day, no matter what. When I was in China, we still had our daily phone call. I always ask how their day was. Even though I'm not there, I still want to share in the experience of being home: something new they learned in school that day, or an accomplishment they made on the basketball court. It comes down to two words: attention and affection. You never want your children to have to look outside of their parents for those two things.
To continue viewing this article by Dwayne, please click below:
http://www.parenting.com/article/dwayne-wade-single-dad
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

WHY ENGAGED COUPLES SHOULD SIGN A PRE-NUP

Although prenuptial agreements are often associated with celebrity couples -- and their headline-generating divorces -- they're not just for boldface names.
Any couple who brings personal or business assets to the marriage can benefit from a prenup. The most basic of these contracts lists an inventory of premarital assets that in the event of a divorce will remain the property of their original owner.
To continue viewing this article by Robert DiGiacomo please click below:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/engaged-couples-sign-prenup-1.aspx
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT DATING AS A SINGLE PARENT

When it comes to dating as a single parent, there is one single most important thing to consider, above everything else:
Would you allow your potential partner to date your child? Or in other words, is your potential partner good enough for your kids?Time and time again, I see women and men dating people who don't exactly cut it: The man whose girlfriend treats him like a bank account and handyman; The woman whose boyfriend treats her like a "sidepiece" and inconvenience.
To continue viewing this column by Laura Lifshitz please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-lifshitz/the-most-important-thing-_4_b_7989072.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

10 LESSONS MY DIVORCE TAUGHT ME ABOUT LASTING LOVE

I've learned a lot of lessons over the last 20 years since my divorce. It dawned on me recently that even though I didn't have a divorce party (just wasn't in the mood) it doesn't mean that I can't mark the 20th anniversary of my divorce in some way.  So here it goes, my list of the 10 most important lessons I've learned in the last two decades:
1. Your partner is not going to change. In other words, you can't change a cat into a dog. Love just isn't enough to significantly alter a person's basic nature and upbringing. For instance, if you fall in love with someone who is reserved and you need outward signs of affection to feel secure, you'll feel chronically dissatisfied. Most likely, these differences will probably erode loving feelings over time and diminish positive interactions in your relationship.
To continue viewing this column by Terry Gaspard, MSW, LFCSW please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terry-gaspard-msw-licsw/10-lessons-my-divorce-taught-me-about-lasting-love_b_7985848.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

8 PIECES OF ADVISE FOR DIVORCE IN YOUR 20's

It's easy to be hard on yourself when going through divorce in your 20s. While all your friends are busy planning their weddings on Pinterest, you're planning a new life without your spouse and dealing with mounting legal bills.

To make the process a little easier, we asked experts -- divorce lawyers, psychologists and financial advisors -- to offer their best advice. Here's what they had to say:

1. Chalk the divorce up to a lapse in judgment. 

Don't fall into the trap of feeling like a failure for splitting up in your 20s. Forgive yourself and remember that you were young and maybe a little naive when you said "I do," said Andra Brosh, a Los Angeles-based psychologist. 

To continue viewing this article by Brittany Wong please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-you-need-to-know-before-divorcing-in-your-twenties_55ccdd65e4b064d5910acb15?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce&section=divorce&kvcommref=mostpopular
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

HOW WE HAVE KEPT OUR SON FROM FEELING LIKE HE IS FROM A BROKEN HOME

A family may change after divorce but it doesn't have to fall apart. Just ask Heather Belanger. The remarried mom of two prides herself on the close co-parenting relationship she shares with her ex-husband Tony.

"As far as my son is concerned, it's normal to see mom and dad at each other's homes and to see mom and dad there for all of those special moments in his life," Heather told The Huffington Post recently.

Below, she shares more about her blended family. 

Hi Heather. Please introduce us to your family.  

At my house we have me, my husband Mike, our daughter Grace (1) and my son Alex (5). At Alex's dad's house, there's his dad Tony, Tony's girlfriend Jesse, plus their 3-year-old daughter Violet. 

Tony and I have been divorced since February 2013, but separated since 2011.

To continue viewing this article by Brittany Wong please click below:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-weve-kept-our-son-from-feeling-like-hes-from-a-broken-home_55cd14b3e4b055a6daafe56f?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce&section=divorce&kvcommref=mostpopular
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

THE SUPREME COURT's IMPACT ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

In a truly historic decision, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry in all states. As Justice Kennedy eloquently stated in the Court's majority opinion:

"It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization's oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right." 

To continue viewing this article by James McLaren please see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-mclaren/the-supreme-courts-impact-on-same-sex-marriage-and-divorce_b_7688396.html

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

AMICABLE DIVORCE IS THE NEW BLACK

America's beloved celebrity couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, known colloquially as "Bennifer" marked their 10 year anniversary this week with a divorce.
But Affleck and Garner shocked tabloids with a public statement brimming with amicable divorce language, defying the drama-hungry hype:

"After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children." 

To continue viewing this article by Michelle Crosby please see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelle-crosby/amicable-divorce-is-the-n_b_7716846.html

For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of
Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

7 FINANCIAL STEPS TO TAKE WHEN GETTING A DIVORCE

The financial effects of divorce could be worse than any downturn in the economy. An average bear market lasts 15 months and results in a 32 percent loss in investments, according to investment firm Edward Jones. Meanwhile, a divorce can wipe out 50 percent of a person’s assets and never ends, says Ken Moraif, founder and senior advisor of Dallas-based financial firm Money Matters.
“Financially, there are few things more devastating than a divorce,” Moraif says.
Even the most amicable divorce will result in divided assets and lost household income, but you may be able to minimize the damage by following these seven steps.
To continue viewing this article by Maryalene LaPonsie please click:
http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/08/07/7-financial-steps-to-take-when-getting-a-divorce?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO MEET YOUR EXES NEW LOVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

My ex has a girlfriend.
I don't know how serious it is or how serious it isn't, but she's there. Just hanging out on his Facebook page, silently.
She's there, just casually mentioned by him a month ago.
Whether she's a she of importance or a she of the moment, she's there.
It's the first girlfriend post separation in the land of divorce.
He technically "won" the race, as in, he is the first person to move on, and not me.
This bothered me initially.
Like, "Why not me?"
My stomach turned seeing her face on his Facebook page.
But then I took another look and my first thought was, "She looks nice. Happy. Harmless."
I told my friends, "I can't hate her," and I can't. Maybe I am supposed to, but she looks like a nice and normal woman. I am relieved--and hopefully she is nice and normal!
To continue viewing this article by Laura Lifshitz please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-lifshitz/what-its-like-to-meet-you_b_7914616.html?utm_hp_ref=children-of-divorce
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

WHY I'M JEALOUS OF MY DIVORCED FRIENDS

With so many celebrity divorces occurring right now, I though I would share my opinion on the subject. Divorce is a part of life. I have many divorced friends. Over the past 12 years I have seen at least half of my married friends relationships end in divorce. Divorce is sad, causes a lot of pain, and is a very difficult process. I am not jealous of any of that portion of the divorce. I am however jealous of the happy, after the fact divorced friends of mine who share custody of their children. I am in no way jealous of divorced full-custody parents who have to go it alone. Those people are saints. I am going to be honest and tell you why.
To continue viewing this article by Meredith Masony please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/meredith-masony/why-im-jealous-of-my-divorced-friends_b_7935958.html
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

5 BENEFITS OF BEING DIVORCED AND SINGLE

You went out as a couple with other couples, many of your friends were married so conversations were often about shared marital issues and people around you saw you as “married.” And then when it ended and with a blink of an eye, you become….single. Like a scarlet letter written on your forehead, suddenly you are treated and looked at differently and have to renegotiate your social circle and identity.
Many people tend to dwell on the negative aspects of divorce. But divorce doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom filled with desperation. In fact, this is an opportunity to embrace your new life as a divorcee by using your freedom as a way of meeting new people and actually focusing with what YOU want separate from your spouse.
To continue reading this column by Kimberly Seltzer please click below:
http://digitalromanceinc.com/mens/divorced-and-single-5-benefits/
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

COLLABORATIVE LAW

A confidential and transparent process which takes place privately by legal professionals who leave the armor at home. While still your advocate, they are highly trained in a process based dispute resolution system which weighs heavily on the parties, counsel and often times financial or child custody professionals working together to develop an agreement taking into account and to the extent possible, each party’s needs, interests and concerns. This process also may also include mental health professionals, called divorce coaches, to enhance the climate and move parties and or their counsel to conclusion in a reasonably harmonious way. Like mediation, settlements can be drafted in ways which do not reveal personal or private matters.
Written by:  Renee M. Marcelle
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/

MEDIATION

In most cases mediation is a faster process then the adversarial process. Dissolution issues may be resolved in as little as 1-2 sessions and up to 10 or more depending on the complexity of the case. Mediation in California is absolutely confidential. Nothing said during mediation may be introduced into any Court hearing, declaration or trial. Divorce judgements may be drafted in ways which do not reveal personal or private matters. For example the parties could agree that assets and debts not be listed in a Marital Settlement Agreement yet the executory provisions which need an enforcement mechanism be listed therein.
Mediation works best when the parties are transparent regarding all material information and facts concerning any asset or debt. Mediation is an optimal resolution dispute remedy only when there exists a level playing field as between parties. Most mediators will require each party to have a consulting attorney to explain the law and how it applies. Parties may choose to not apply the law in their circumstances or only partially. You may chose to bring your attorneys to mediation, but in either event parties and counsel will be asked to approve the agreement in writing.
Written by:  Renee M. Marcelle
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --

9 TIPS FOR THE NEWLY SINGLE FROM THE FINALLY MARRIED

For the record, I'm not divorced, nor have I ever been. But I have been single for most of my life, until last year when I got married for the first time at the age of 51.
So what does a newly married, never-been-divorced person know about divorce? Other than experiencing my own parents' divorce as an 8-year-old only child, absolutely nothing.
But I do know a thing or two about being single, and being on your own.
To continue viewing this article by Treva Brandon please click below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/treva-brandon/9-tips-for-the-newly-sing_b_7926268.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce
For more information, contact the Family Law Offices of Renee M. Marcelle at (415) 456-4444, or online at http://www.familylawmarin.com/ --