Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

Gray Divorce, Grown Children

There's another group affected by marital splits -- adult children of gray divorce. But they are adults, shouldn’t they be okay?

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

Mediating When Only One of You is Motivated

Sometimes, one person is ready to try mediation—and the other isn’t. That can feel discouraging. But it doesn’t have to be the end of the road.

In fact, it can be the start of something productive.

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

Stuck, Silent, and Struggling? Mediation Moves You Forward

Sometimes, life throws us into situations we didn’t ask for, don’t want, and are wholly unprepared for — family breakdowns, business disputes, community tensions, divorce. And sometimes, we get stuck there, for months or even years, paralyzed by uncertainty and fear.

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

When Divorce Feels Like a Death

Divorce doesn’t come with a funeral. There are no casseroles dropped off at your door, no sympathy cards, no formal rituals to mark the end. But for many, it feels just like a death—and in many ways, it is.

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

Mediation: A Judgment-Free Journey

When conflict arises—whether in business, family matters, or personal relationships—the fear of judgment can keep us from seeking the help we need. Many people hesitate to enter mediation because they worry about being criticized, blamed, or having their private matters scrutinized. Let me put those concerns to rest: mediation is fundamentally designed as a judgment-free environment where confidentiality reigns supreme

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

Make Mediation Your First Move

Let’s be honest — conflicts are inevitable. Too often, people rush to litigation, escalating conflicts rather than resolving them. But there’s a better way: mediation. Mediation should be the first stop in conflict resolution, not the last resort. Here’s why.

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

What Stranded Astronauts Can Teach Us About Divorce

This week, the world watched as two stranded astronauts finally returned to Earth. Originally scheduled to be away for just eight days, their journey unexpectedly stretched into nine long months. It was a powerful reminder that life is unpredictable—things don’t always go as planned, and sometimes, we must find new ways to move forward.

The same can be said for divorce.

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

You are Writing Your Child’s Memoir

When parents divorce, it’s as if a new chapter is being written in their child’s life. This chapter, while inevitable for many families, can take vastly different tones depending on how the separation is handled. For children, their understanding of family, relationships, and even themselves is deeply influenced by the dynamics they experience during this time.

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

Mediate or Marinate?

Are you ready to design your new life or would you prefer to marinate in a sauce of what I call FHAD: Fear, Hurt, Anger, and Disappointment? FHAD can have a profound impact on our physical and emotional well-being, negatively shaping how we think, behave, and interact with others. It can impact our relationships, our work, and in general, make us feel more stuck. So how do you know that you are ready for mediation? Here are some indicators that couples are ready for mediation.

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

What about Fido?

For many, pets are like family members, offering love, companionship, and comfort during difficult times. However, determining pet custody isn’t always straightforward and therefore can be quite stressful. When awarding custody of a pet to one of the parties, the court will consider various factors, such as:

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Caroline Melkonian Caroline Melkonian

The Family Home: Love it or List it?

Divorce brings with it a whirlwind of emotional and practical decisions, and one of the most significant is deciding what to do with the family home.

If you’re grappling with whether to stay in your home or move on, here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice.

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