The CFMG Blog Co-Parenting, New School Year, and a Fall Reboot As we enter the month of August, we become aware that it is a time of transition, a time when children and parents turn their attention to thoughts of a new school year and new routines. With this change often come new emotions and [...]

The CFMG Blog Mediating Alimony Issues in Divorce Settlements: A Mediator's Perspective   Effective Strategies and Common Disagreements Divorce is often a challenging and emotionally charged process, and one of the most contested issues in a divorce settlement is alimony. As a mediator, my role is to facilitate a constructive dialogue between the spouses, helping

The CFMG Blog Paying for Mediation: What You Need to Know Before You Start   One of the first and most important issues that comes up in any mediation is this: who is paying for mediation? It might seem like a simple detail, but it can heavily influence the tone, trust, and pace of the

The CFMG Blog The Impact of Parental Conflict on the Family During my nearly 35 years as a family lawyer, a guardian ad litem, and now as a family mediator, I have worked with countless Virginia families struggling with parental conflict.  I have come to have a profound understanding of the devastating impact that ongoing,

The CFMG Blog Protecting Your Children During Divorce: Why Mediation Matters   Divorce is a difficult process for the entire family, but it can be particularly challenging for children. The emotional turmoil, uncertainty, and conflict can have a significant impact on their well-being. Choosing the right approach to navigate this difficult time is crucial for

The CFMG Blog When to Start Mediation   When to Start Mediation Mediation is a valuable process designed to help people navigate difficult conversations constructively, often in the context of personal relationships or family matters. One of the most common questions people have is, "When is the right time to start mediation?" The short answer

The CFMG Blog Why Divorce Mediation Saves Serious Money Supporting Federal Employees Through Divorce Mediation At Colin Family Mediation, we understand the unique challenges our federal workforce faces, especially during uncertain times. Marital and family conflicts don’t simply disappear when external stressors—such as financial strain, job anxiety, or fear of losing employment—come into play. In

In Virginia there are two ways of deciding about spousal support, also known as alimony. The first is used prior to the divorce. The second is used for the period after the date of divorce. Temporary Spousal Support For the period when a husband and wife are separated but not yet divorced, sometimes called the “pendente lite”

Sometimes families have to make hard decisions about the care or guardianship of an elderly family member whose physical or mental health has declined. In the worst cases adult siblings end up battling each other in court and then a judge makes the decisions. A much more constructive approach is working with a mediator to