What to Stop Doing in the New Year (If You Want Less Conflict)

As the new year begins, many professionals reflect on habits they want to build. Drawing on years of mediation practice, Shawn Weber, outgoing President of Collaborative Practice San Diego, examines several common patterns that tend to escalate conflict, even when intentions are good, and invites readers to consider what might be worth letting go. By…

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2025 Divorce Mediation Lessons: Reflections From a Year in the Room

Years of mediation practice tend to reinforce certain truths about conflict, people, and the limits of technique. Drawing on that experience, Shawn Weber, outgoing President of Collaborative Practice San Diego, reflects on lessons from a year in the mediation room that continue to shape how he approaches his work. By Shawn Weber, Weber Dispute Resolution…

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A More Supportive Way to Resolve Family Conflict: Interdisciplinary Mediation

  By:  Shawn Weber When families face divorce or other major transitions, one of the first and most overwhelming questions is often: “What process is right for us?” You may have heard about mediation. You may also have heard about Collaborative Divorce. Sometimes these options are described as very different — or even in conflict…

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What To Do When You Know Your Marriage Is Over

Upset couple

When you see that your marriage is over, it seems overwhelming. According to the article, What To Do When You Know The Marriage Is Over from the Law Office of Rebecca M. Medina, one should take time and process your emotions and educate yourself alternatively before making decisions. Knowing what to do next is possible…

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The Role of Collaborative Divorce: How It Can Help You

Couple sitting in front of lawyer.

Traditional court divorces create winners and losers. One person wins, and everybody loses. A judge who doesn’t know you makes decisions about your life, your kids, and your future. Your lawyers treat each other like enemies instead of problem-solvers. Divorce court is not an environment that encourages healing. Here’s the truth: court-litigated divorces often feel…

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Simplifying Divorce: Why Filing a California Joint Divorce Petition Is a Smart Move

Couple talking to divorce lawyer

Divorce does not always need to turn into a fight. Weber Dispute Resolution’s blog on the California joint divorce petition makes a strong point for working together instead. Couples who file jointly can save time, reduce legal fees, and simplify the process. It demonstrates that both parties are committed to resolving issues without immediately resorting to…

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How to Financially Recover After Divorce

Woman calculating bills

Going through a divorce is challenging, both emotionally and financially. As collaborative divorce professionals, we have seen how this process can be smoother and more amicable than a court-litigated divorce. The key is working with a neutral financial mediator to divide assets, review your financial portfolio and suggest your options for the future. Being honest…

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How Do Job Losses Impact Spousal and Child Support?

Stop sign with job loss underneath

Lost your primary income source or job because of the pandemic? You aren’t alone. Over 20M jobs were lost and some businesses have shut down leaving household finances reeling. Many folks are worried about keeping up with their spousal support and child support obligations.   Here are a few things to remember if you experience problems keeping up:  Support obligations are…

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MUELLER v. MUELLER (2024): The Case of the Unenforceable Confidentiality Clause in Collaborative Law

By Shawn Weber Are Collaborative Law confidentiality agreements enforceable? Should Collaborative Practitioners everywhere panic? Discover the latest insights from the California Court of Appeal’s decision in Mueller v. Mueller (2024). This case underscores the complexities of enforcing confidentiality clauses in Collaborative Law agreements during divorce proceedings. Learn about the differences between mediation confidentiality and collaborative…

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