Getting a mortgage is challenging enough — with strict underwriting requiring detailed explanations, sourcing of monies and debt ratios — but adding a divorce to the picture makes it even more difficult for a borrower. The good news is that despite most divorce situations, many can still successfully get a mortgage.

What to plan for: By providing your mortgage company with the most accurate and true picture of your circumstances — starting with the loan application — you’re helping them to find the best way to structure your loan for a favorable credit decision. The lender will also look at your divorce decree for any other undisclosed/non-credit report financial obligations such as child support, alimony/spousal support paid or received.

Click here to continue reading this article from AOL Real Estate.

Mediation is a process for resolving conflict and coming to an agreement where decision-making remains with the parties. A neutral mediator assists parties in arriving at a mutually acceptable agreement. In contrast to an adversarial proceeding, mediation emphasizes cooperative problem solving and addressing the needs of all involved. Mediation can be used for all types of conflict, however it is particularly useful in the context of divorce and family disputes.

1. It’s less costly.
2. You control the discussion and the outcome.
3. You get more personal attention.
4. There is faster resolution.
5. There is greater confidentiality.
6. There is greater flexibility with scheduling.
7. It protects children from conflict.
8. Its a less adversarial process.
9. There are more opportunities for a creative, tailored family plan.
10. It allows for greater post-divorce stability.

Click here to learn more about the Divorce Without War® approach and how it can work for you.

It’s never easy when a marriage or significant relationship ends. Whatever the reason for the split—and whether you wanted it or not—the breakup of a relationship can turn your whole world upside down and trigger all sorts of painful and unsettling feelings. But there are plenty of things you can do to get through this difficult time and move on. You can even learn from the experience and grow into a stronger, wiser person.

Healing after a divorce or breakup

Why do breakups hurt so much, even when the relationship is no longer good? A divorce or breakup is painful because it represents the loss, not just of the relationship, but also of shared dreams and commitments. Romantic relationships begin on a high note of excitement and hope for the future. When these relationships fail, we experience profound disappointment, stress, and grief.

A breakup or divorce launches us into uncharted territory. Everything is disrupted: your routine and responsibilities, your home, your relationships with extended family and friends, and even your identity. A breakup brings uncertainty about the future. What will life be like without your partner? Will you find someone else? Will you end up alone? These unknowns often seem worse than an unhappy relationship.

Recovering from a breakup or divorce is difficult. However, it’s important to know (and to keep reminding yourself) that you can and will move on. But healing takes time, so be patient with yourself.

Click here for tips on how to cope with separation or divorce.

Segal, J., Kemp, G., & Smith, M. “Coping with a Breakup or Divorce.” Weblog entry. HelpGuide.org. June, 2013. Accessed July 16, 2013, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/coping_divorce_relationship_breakup.htm.

It is my opinion, after 33 years of practice, that law practice has taken a terrible turn away from serving clients’ needs and serving as true counselors for clients. The change that is called for lies in alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration. The change also lies in a complete revision of the way we treat people and handle situations in the litigation environment.

Family law cases involve families. This means that the handling of the family law case impacts lives. And the lives are not just impacted for a certain situation; they are impacted for the rest of their lives. When children are involved, the impact is obvious. The divorcing couple faces a lifetime of having to work with each other as they care for their children. There are also an infinite number of lifetime events, such as birthdays, holidays, boyfriends and girlfriends, sports and other activities, graduations, marriages, and grandchildren, that are there to be shared and enjoyed. In light of this tremendous impact on lives, family lawyers have a unique and particular responsibility to look for ways to make the family law case resolve in a constructive manner.

Click here to continue reading the original article from Family Lawyer Magazine.