With gratitude, teamwork and commitment, our annual retreat found McGill Law in Austin, Texas last month!
Spring Cleaning
There is something so refreshing about resetting your space as the seasons change. During the winter season, I often feel like I’m just holding on for brighter, warmer days. As a result, my home and life become cluttered. Laundry baskets overflow, kid’s toys are everywhere, and my attention is scattered in a thousand different directions.
Unfortunately, clutter in our homes increases our stress levels. Studies show that you’re also more likely to continue adding to the mess in an already-cluttered home. Your belongings get misplaced, and your anxiety increases as you realize you’ll have to dig your way out. Instead of stressing about the mess, here are some tips to refresh your space and life this spring:
Home Sweet Home... an Important Consideration in a Divorce
Many clients want to know first and foremost what will happen to their home as a result of their divorce. This is an important question. Homes are valuable not only because of the financial investment but also because of the emotional ties. From a financial perspective, homes are oftentimes the most valuable asset involved in a divorce case. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider your options and do your due diligence in deciding what makes the most sense for your family.
Rituals for Resilience
As a Nebraskan, by February I usually question why I have willingly chosen to live somewhere so cold, dark, and drab. Then Spring returns and I am reminded of the perspective shift that ensues each year like clockwork. Often it takes darkness to truly appreciate the light. It’s during these months that I remember the lessons that nature demonstrates time and time again.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
Something to Give
Dogs of Divorce
Most of us think of our dogs, cats, and other pets like members of our family. The thought alone of losing a pet brings many people grief, so what happens when you decide to get a divorce? Can you decide on a joint custody schedule, similar to children? In a multiple-dog home, does one party take one dog, the other party take another?
The Main Tenants of Collaborative Divorce
As you’ve learned by now, we love collaborative law. We believe that the collaborative option is not just the better option, but the only option that most families should consider when contemplating going through a divorce or legal separation. We offer both collaborative mediation and collaborative divorce. While the process for those two options differ, the tenants of all collaborative processes are the same. These 4 tenants are the foundation that allows for collaborative cases to be successful and encourages families to move forward with more understanding and compassion.
Hello McGill Mediation!
We have a whole new reason to celebrate! McGill Mediation is officially open and accepting cases! McGill Mediation’s home office in located in Bellevue, Nebraska near the Sarpy County Courthouse. We are so excited to be able to offer mediation services to even more Sarpy County families. We saw a need for more mediators to be located in Sarpy County and decided to make it happen.
Legislative Updates
A Tribute to Black History & the Contributions of an Icon
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Interesting Facts & Lessons We Can Learn from His Legacy
The great leader and hero, Dr. MLK Jr., is deservedly honored on the third Monday of January every year. I have been thinking about his legacy and thus, reading about him and learning remarkable things that I never knew. History’s Sarah Pruitt and Christopher Klein report in their articles some very interesting facts. I’ll summarize a few herein
Reflecting on a Year of Celebration
This year, our theme was “celebrate." I admittedly am not good at celebrating successes. I am one of those people who are always looking at what achievement/accolade/goal we can reach next. Because of this, we themed 2021 the year to take time to celebrate our victories, reach our goals, and everything in between.
Perseverance and Setting Intentions in the New Year
Intentions give us the promise of hope, improvement, and can increase our overall wellness and self-worth. I started setting intentions last year rather than resolutions, and I can reflect on the 2021 with more gratitude than I thought possible. Intentions are often confused with goals, but they are so much more than that. Intentions are an opportunity to design and take ownership of our lived experience. Every year we set an intention as a firm, this helps us better serve our clients and community.
The History of New Year’s Resolutions
Resolution is defined as a firm decision to do or not do something. New Year’s is approaching and with it those often-discussed resolutions. Approximately 45% of Americans make a new year’s resolution. For some, that means a new gym membership, a determination to eat better, and plans to incorporate an exercise routine into their life.
A Reflection on What it Means to be a Leader
Recently, I attended the first module of my year-long collaborative leadership training. I was feeling quite a mixture of emotions: excitement, anxiety and fear. As we went around the room and shared our stories of what leadership meant to us, it became evident that I was surrounded by some pretty amazing individuals who, in my eyes, were already well-accomplished leaders. How in the world was I chosen to be there?
Holidays after Life Changes
Dealing with the holidays after divorce or another major life change brings several challenges to the table. Perhaps this year looks different for your plans: you’re unable to travel to visit family, your children are in another household, or you’re missing the holiday traditions you’ve held for so long.
Eight Helpful Ways to Control Legal Fees in a Family Law Case
Planning for Your Future After Transitions
Mediation & Collaborative Law – the best option for lots of situations!
Most Important, Most Powerful
Chess is all the rage these days. Since we’ve been home during the Pandemic and binge watching “The Queen’s Gambit”, chess is the latest oldest trend. However, chess was played in our home long before this pandemic. Chess can help you in life in many ways. For example, it can help you make mindful, unrushed decisions, look at the bigger picture, and weigh the pros and cons of your choices.