Stephanie Dobson - Collaborative Divorce Lawyer & Mediator

Not every family needs court.

A lot of people come in thinking that’s their only option. It’s not.

Collaborative divorce and mediation gives families a way to actually sit down, work through decisions, and move forward without escalating conflict.

It doesn’t mean it’s easy. It just means it’s more intentional.

A lot of conflict during separation doesn’t come from big issues. It comes from unclear expectations.

Who has the kids this weekend?
Who is covering activities?
Who makes the decisions?

If it’s not clearly discussed, it becomes a problem later.

Clear agreements reduce stress for everyone, especially kids.

Where do things feel unclear right now?

There is no perfect way to navigate change.

Most people are learning as they go, adjusting along the way, and making the best decisions they can with the information they have at the time.

Taking thoughtful steps forward, even when things feel uncertain, is part of the process.

Father’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the role fathers and father figures play in their children’s lives.

For many families, that role may look different over time, especially through separation or change. What remains constant is the impact of being present, staying involved, and continuing to show up in meaningful ways.

The everyday moments, the consistency, and the commitment to your children matter more than anything else.

Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures in our community.

Neither parent gets to unilaterally decide the schedule. Parenting time is something that needs to be negotiated.

The sooner parents can work together to agree on a schedule, the better. Otherwise, a judge may have to decide.

When creating a parenting plan, factors such as work schedules, school and activities, holidays, and the children’s developmental stages are all considered. The goal is to create something that works for the whole family.

A lot of people wait too long to get guidance.

By the time they reach out, decisions have already been made, emotions are high, and things feel harder than they need to.

Getting support earlier doesn’t mean you’re rushing the process. It means you’re doing it more intentionally.

If this feels harder than you expected, that’s normal.

Most people are navigating separation for the first time. There’s no roadmap, and no one gets it perfect.

You’re allowed to figure it out as you go.

To get a divorce, you need to show a breakdown of the relationship. This is most commonly done by living separately and apart for one year.

There are exceptions, such as adultery or mental or physical cruelty, but most divorces rely on the one-year separation period.

In many cases, the legal and financial issues are resolved during that year. If you go through mediation, those discussions can often be completed in a few months, with the remainder of the time being the waiting period.