Blog | M. Hart Divorce & Family Law

4/27/14

Don’t Be So Negative! Real Ways to “Think Positive” and Avoid Conflict

Perhaps you find yourself experiencing negative thoughts and emotions more than you would like. You might wonder why you are so angry all the time, particularly at a certain person, or why worrisome thoughts keep you awake at night. You might have heard the trite advice to “think positive” as if you could wave a magic wand over yourself and you’d be magically transformed to...

4/7/14

Neutralize Conflict by Effectively Managing Your Emotions

An essential component of the ability to neutralize conflict in any situation is an awareness that you are responsible for the relationships you want to have in your life and the circumstances you want to create. Many times we find ourselves in conflict with another person when both of you communicate from emotion, such as anger, frustration, or hurt. Believe it or not, it ...

3/30/14

A New Way to Divorce

Are you put off by divorce lawyers who promote conflict and stir up hostility while racking up hefty hourly fees? The good news is that there is a better way to divorce. The approach I use is intended to reduce conflict in a way that is cost-effective by focusing on creating lasting results that are designed to meet your most important needs, interests, and goals...

3/19/14

Did the New Jersey Teen’s Lawsuit Against Her Parents Ever Stand a Chance?

It’s now official – after the 18-year-old New Jersey high school student, Rachel Canning, moved back home last week, she reportedly went back to court today to formally dismiss her highly publicized lawsuit filed against her parents for financial support. Rachel Canning had left the home where she lived with her parents and her siblings after reportedly refusing to abide by her parents’ rules and...

3/6/14

How to Avoid Heading Back to Court After Your Divorce

It’s common to want to get the divorce process over with as quickly as possible, much like root canal. Understandably, you might simply want to move on, especially if you have already cut ties emotionally, and you might feel the need for immediate “closure.” Rest assured, however, that there is no “closure” simply because you have that Judgment of Divorce. Issues that were not adequately...

2/24/14

5 Ways to Protect Your Children During Divorce

On a daily basis, we as parents look to protect our children from all types of dangers that exist outside of our control. For instance, it’s common to want our children to be safe from injuries, malicious strangers, and to limit their exposure to inappropriate content on the internet and social media, television, and movies. Fortunately, when you and your spouse are going through the...

2/13/14

5 Powerful Ways To Take Charge of Your Divorce Now!

You might know the old saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Ending a marriage is tough. The undoing of life as you know it is tough. So how can you get going? Here are 5 actions to take immediately: 1. Take much needed time to grieve while reaching out for emotional support. Consult a mental health therapist or coach as...

1/31/14

4 Smart Ways to Protect Your Small Business in Divorce

If you are a small business owner going through divorce, it is common to feel protective of the business that you created. After all, you have nurtured your business and watched it grow, much like a child. If you started your business during the marriage, chances are it is a marital asset. Therefore, under New Jersey’s law of “equitable distribution”, it is subject to being...

1/20/14

How to Break Free of Conflict in Divorce and Beyond

I’d like to share a wake-up call I experienced just recently that could help when conflict inevitably arises. A little over a week ago, I received shocking and upsetting news. My dear friend Wendy had passed away unexpectedly. She was only 48 years old with a husband and a 9 year old son. During the memorial held for Wendy last week, several loved ones and...

1/13/14

Should You Litigate, Mediate or Collaborate in Your Divorce?

If you’re thinking about getting a divorce or your spouse has told you that he or she wants a divorce, this can be without a doubt one of the most difficult times in your life. It can feel like a rug has suddenly been pulled out from under your feet. At the same time, it can feel overwhelming and scary if you don’t know where...