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In this month's upcoming episode of Conversations on Conflict, we are joined by Steve Shapiro, owner of Resolution Matters, Inc. In addition to being the current co-president of CRCMC's board of directors, Steve is an experienced attorney, mediator, facilitator, and arbitrator. Be sure to tune in on Facebook or Youtube on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 11:00 am to catch the conversation about Steve's years of experience in the field of alternative dispute resolution.Read More

Family Foundation Disputes

The head of the family has been diagnosed with early onset dementia. The foundation and trust agreements have a provision that if any one of the principals of the trust is not capable of serving, the remaining principals may vote for removal. When you are removing your mother, father, sibling or a loved one from the foundation’s leadership, you are challenging the very fabric that has held your life in place. Children often feel guilty, timid, and uncertain if they are making the right decision. A strong patriarch or matriarch often makes it even more challenging if they are in… Read More

Tips For Negotiating On Zoom

These tips focus on supporting you in being your best while negotiating important matters over Zoom. The most important thing to understand like anything in life is preparation. Prepare for maintaining presence and attention, prepare for knowing and understanding what the other is saying, and prepare for the best outcome. Zoom has many advantages over in-person. One is you do not need to travel. Plan on using at least half the travel time for preparation. I recommend you spend five minutes doing any exercise that helps you ground your breathing, posture and awareness so you are not reactivated by any… Read More

Why You Need a Team of Experts to Support You Through Your Separation and Divorce

This article discusses the import of having a team of experts and professionals supporting you through your separation and divorce. Ideally we want you to know that you are not alone going through this. Depending on your circumstances, you and I work together to develop the best team approach that balances the complexities of your situation with your resources. If your family owns a multimillion dollar business, our business mediation team can assist in obtaining a neutral evaluation, working out payout strategies, and consider the tax implications; if you have special needs children we have psychologists who can work to… Read More

From Trauma, To Transformation And Then Peace.

Over the past thirty plus years my career has focused on all aspects of dispute resolution – it began with a specialty in family law and it continues that way today. Over the past years I felt a need to step into leadership. I learned that at this time in history, this work has become a deep calling and one that I feel privileged to take on. Let me clarify, throughout my career I have balanced a commercial and family law practice; now my work is 100% focused on leaving the family in better position than before they engaged my… Read More

Deepening Strategies For Resolving Family Conflict CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL ARTICLERead More

Taming The Provocateur

In every conflict, we are all listening to voices in our head. No, I am not suggesting we are all crazy, only that our inner dialogue can determine the outcome in every matter. How can you and I be sure of this? Well, this is as sure as putting a person on the moon. This effort takes vision and action. This inner conversation determines whether the disputing parties, spouses, family members, are able to maintain a workable and constructive dialogue that leads to a settlement. The inner conversation also determines how you move through the post-dispute. If you are bitter… Read More

What is mindfulness? Merriam-Webster defines: “[Mindfulness is] the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines: “Mindfulness [as] paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Thich Nhat Hanh defines: “Mindfulness [as] what is happening in our bodies, our emotions, our minds, and in the world. Through mindfulness, we avoid harming ourselves and others.” This paper discusses how mindfulness can be used to assist parties separating and divorcing in ways that show a degree of care and concern for the other, that are otherwise values not usually experienced through…Read More

American Hero Or Mental Incapacity?

This past summer Buzz Aldrin’s children sued him in order to gain guardianship and decision -making authority over their father’s health, safety and welfare. The children acted and moved for guardianship because of their father’s increased memory loss and confusion. Mr. Aldrin counter-sued his children seeking to keep his independence. Litigation had a devastating impact on the family. The court ordered medical testing, and in the end declared that Mr. Aldrin had all his faculties and powers in place and can act on his behalf. Do you have to have walked on the moon to have a court declare your… Read More

The Importance Of Asking Why!

Probably the most important in negotiation. Yes, a two-year old might cry why do I need to go to bed now, a twelve-year old might ask- why do I need to clean my room and a teenager might ask – why do I need to call you if I am coming home after curfew. All age appropriate retorts in a parenting context. In a negotiation, the question why is not one of defiance, but of understanding. At the core of a win-win structure, are all parties and participants in the negotiation understanding the core needs and interests of each other. This does… Read More

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