Emancipation in California

Emancipation in California

How does the Petition for Declaration of Emancipation of Minor work? Let’s take a look.  Seventeen-year-old Gloria stares at her bank balance unbelievingly. “Mom! Did you take money out of my savings account again?  Her Mom, Jean, seems embarrassed. “I had to, baby. The rent was due and I haven’t been up to working full …

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What is ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution)?

what is adr

What is ADR? Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a blanket term used to speak to a series of defined processes that conflicting parties can use as an alternative to traditional litigation. The principle is comprised of two traditional methods for settling disputes that opposing parties may opt for when an agreement is being a mutually acceptable …

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Divorce Mediation Checklist

Divorce mediation checklist

Our divorce mediation checklist will help you go through the divorce mediation checklist and negotiation process. When it’s time to divorce, there may be an urge to try and put the marriage entirely behind you. However, your life will probably be entangled with your spouse’s for a long time, especially if the marriage was long …

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Mediator Programs and Conflict Resolution

mediator programs

Whether you are just beginning your career or you have years of work experience on your resume, completing a mediation program may be the next step to mastering the art of mediation and accessing the skills and processes that will drive your career into the next phase. Mediation is a powerful tool for dispute resolution, …

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BATNA & WATNA: Finding and Using Negotiation Power

BATNA & WATNA

What is the power of finding and using a BATNA & WATNA? The goal of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process is to come to a resolution together so that the parties can both agree on and avoid the eventual litigation that could arise in the dispute. However, not every mediation or negotiation ends in a …

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Interests VS. Positions: Learn the Difference

Conflict resolution can be a tricky process, and even those familiar with mediation and negotiation tactics might not be aware of the distinction between positions versus interests. In essence, positions are what individuals say they want in an argument or disagreement – it’s their outwardly stated wishes for how to deal with the issue at …

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Earning a Certificate in Mediation

Certificate in Mediation

For those interested in becoming a professional mediator, earning a mediation certificate can be the first step in playing an active role in the mediation process. However, many budding mediators may not understand what being a certified mediator means for their careers or how to access the mediation field. Others may wish to complete mediation …

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Conflict Mediation Scenarios: Identifying & Solving Problems

Mediation is quickly becoming a way to resolve disputes within the workplace and other settings.  Looking at the different kinds of mediation scenarios that play out in mediation allows us to understand how helpful mediation can be.  Although conflict is a fact of life, mediation helps make it a manageable and productive part of life.  …

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Types of Mediation: Evaluative, Facilitative, and Transformative

Types of Mediation

Understanding the types of mediation is a vital skill when preparing for and participating in mediation.  Knowing how the mediator is operating and what skills they are using is important for the parties and their counsel to work best with the mediator and still emphasize what is an important consideration for them.  It is also …

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What are Four Types of Out of Court Settlements?

Out of Court Settlements

Out-of-court settlements are becoming a common goal in a variety of disputes.  Due to the amount of time and energy that is required to take a dispute through litigation, many businesses, and parties, in general, are turning to alternative dispute resolution to keep issues out of the courts.  But many people are unaware of the …

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