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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Legal Myths About Divorce: What You Need to Know

Blocks that spell out myths

Many people think a divorce is always fought out in court, with one side winning and the other losing. In fact, the idea that every divorce has to be hostile is one of the biggest myths about divorce. You and your partner actually have more control than you might realize. Collaborative Divorce lets you both…

Read More

How Divorce Affects Your Mental Health and How to Cope

Woman in therapy session

Your mental health matters during your divorce. Simple self-care steps, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in gentle exercise, and limiting well-meaning but unhelpful advice from friends, can make a huge difference in how you cope day-to-day. But here’s what many people don’t realize: how you choose to divorce makes all the difference…

Read More

Rebuilding Your Social Life After Divorce

Women hugging each other.

Divorce changes everything, including your friendships and social connections. You might wonder which friends will stick around and how to handle those awkward moments at parties or community events. The reality is that some relationships will shift and some may end, but that doesn’t mean your social life is over. Some friends might feel uncomfortable…

Read More

Healing After Divorce: Moving On and Finding Yourself Again

Woman with hands on chest and eyes closed

Divorce can feel like your world is crumbling, leaving you wondering how you’ll rebuild from the pieces. But here’s the truth – you have more strength inside you than you realize right now. Collaborative Divorce encourages respectful communication and mutual problem-solving rather than adversarial court battles. This approach reduces conflict, protects children from unnecessary drama,…

Read More