Author Archive

Video conferencing and socializing allows social interactions to happen through a computer window, but it cannot replace the real thing. Our brain neurons require other people’s neurons to thrive and survive. In-person, social contact creates an ‘”energy” that affects our brains differently, which in turn, affects our mood. We must work harder to process non-verbal […]

  The other day I discovered how easy it is today for a parent to listen in on my confidential sessions with children.  Keenan is a bright 8-year-old with a good sense of humor, coming to me to discuss his preferences and concerns during a parental break-up. In our prior session, he was relaxed and […]

  Brianna is seven years old and lives with her mother. Her father signed her birth certificate when she was born in 2012. Shortly after that, he left without return, giving Brianna’s mother no address or information for future contact. Briana’s mother believes he moved to California; however, she has no real knowledge of his […]

Your name is a key part of your identity. Yet, circumstances may cause you to want or need to change your name. Changing your name is not as hard as you may think! People divorcing or legally separating can change their names as part of the proceeding. It may surprise you, but anyone can change […]

The Washington Supreme Court has suspended all in-person hearings. However, the court will continue to administer all calendars as scheduled by telephone. If you are self-represented and want to finalize your case by agreement: Email your proposed final orders to facilitators@kingcounty.gov. Facilitators will work with the Ex Parte Commissioners to approve and sign your documents […]

*BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS*   Ruby Finds A Worry Percival, Tom, 1977- A girl named Ruby, clad in polka-dots and wearing puffy pigtails, loves to visit “wild, faraway places” and swing on a swing. But while in a peaceful, wild garden, she’s unexpectedly visited by “a Worry”- a floating ball of yellow scribbles with anxious eyes and […]

For children who worry about the level of uncertainty caused by COVID-19, I’ve found these tips useful for parents trying to soothe their children’s anxiety. Having them talk to someone special. The old-fashioned telephone conversation is making a comeback.  It won’t increase screen time and allows them to connect to friends and family they miss. Wearing […]

Oftentimes in my practice, when couples are unsure about ending their relationship, marital therapy frustrates more than helps. The best predictor of successful treatment is the client’s commitment to changing what hasn’t worked for them in the past. When one spouse wants to stay, and the other spouse wants to leave marital therapy is usually […]

The verdict is the “Stay at home” Federal Order does not change your court ordered residential or visitation schedules.  The quarantine is secondary to the court order, unless both parents agree to temporarily modify the schedule.  But you must discuss and agree to changes in routines and schedules to keep your children safe while respecting […]

Because we need to help our communities stay healthy, we find ourselves limited to essential travel. Since COVID-19 shelter in place went into effect, I am working with my clients finishing their mediations using Zoom. I have successfully conducted online negotiations for clients living in different states and countries, using video conferencing cost-effectively and efficiently. […]