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Month: June 2025

June 2025

Mediation Mondays: Putting Kids First Without Putting Parents Last

When parents make the difficult decision to separate or divorce, their first thought is often: How will this affect our children? Child-centered mediation is designed with this concern in mind. It focuses on creating parenting plans and agreements that protect children’s emotional stability, reduce exposure to conflict, and ensure continuity in their routines and relationships. Mediation allows parents to work together—rather than against each other—to craft solutions that meet their children’s needs with care and intention. Still, prioritizing the best interests of your children doesn’t mean losing sight of your own voice. In child-centered mediation, both parents are encouraged to
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On Vacation

Sitting on the beach with my toes warmed from being buried in the sand, my senses were engulfed with the sounds of seagulls cawing in and out of the sky.  My daughters’ laughter shrieked up over the crashing waves as they tentatively toed their way into the icy cold waters.  I felt my entire body relax as I smelled the wood burning from a nearby bonfire.  I could taste salt on my lips from the spraying sea mist.  I had captured pure contentment. In advance of my departure to the Oregon coast for a vacation with my family, I crafted
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4 Reasons to Choose An Uncontested Divorce in Nebraska

Divorce is a life-changing decision, but how you go through it matters just as much as the decision itself. If you and your spouse are ready to part ways and can agree on the key terms, Koenig|Dunne can help you with an uncontested flat fee divorce. Unlike a contested divorce, which can be long, expensive, and emotionally exhausting, an uncontested divorce allows you to separate amicably, efficiently, and affordably—with far less stress. 1. Flat Fee Billing: Save Money on Legal Fees One of the biggest advantages of an uncontested divorce is the significant cost savings. When both spouses agree on
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Seeing the Light

I have a regretful confession.  I nearly forgot my dad on Father’s Day this past Sunday.  Father’s Day was sandwiched between coming home from a week long family vacation on Saturday and dropping my daughters off to camp on Sunday afternoon.  While I was doing parenting pirouettes with laundry in and out, suitcases emptied and filled, and finding the plastic rain ponchos I knew I had somewhere, I was distracted to say the least. Add to this, my daughters and I gave my dad – their Funpa – his Father’s Day gift a week prior to the actual day.  We
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Mediation Mondays: How Your Emotional Wellbeing Impacts the Process

Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional one. When you’re navigating the uncertainty of separation, your mental health plays a vital role in how you show up in mediation. Stress, grief, anxiety, or even trauma can make it difficult to communicate clearly, make decisions, or advocate for your needs. Acknowledging this emotional weight isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a crucial step in preparing for a successful and sustainable resolution. A trauma-informed mediation process recognizes that people arrive with unique histories, emotional states, and coping mechanisms. Skilled mediators create environments that are calm, respectful, and paced appropriately. This
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The Ebb and Flow

We nearly broke into a run when we first spied it.  The wind whipped through our hair and the telltale smell of fire-faded driftwood blew through our bodies.  After awkwardly walking through the dry shifting sand, we reached the stable ocean line where the waves tickled our toes – easily mesmerized by the methodical movement of the ocean tide. My daughters and I spent the last week at the Oregon coast.  Several times we made our way to the beach and as I watched them delight in dancing in and out of the frigid water, I found myself thinking of
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Mediation Mondays: Beyond Divorce

When most people hear the word mediation, they think of divorce. But for many families, the need for clear communication and problem-solving doesn’t end when the papers are signed. Co-parenting is an ongoing relationship—one that grows and changes over time. Whether it’s adjusting to a new school schedule, introducing new partners, or rethinking summer vacation plans, life doesn’t stay still—and neither should your parenting plan. Mediation offers a safe, neutral space for co-parents to revisit their agreements and respond to life’s inevitable changes. It’s often less adversarial, faster, and more cost-effective than returning to court. More importantly, it allows parents
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Treasured Time

18 days.  Eighteen whole days.  Eighteen full days with my daughters to love, to cherish, to have and to hold, to not be obeyed, to get annoyed, to lose my temper, and to count down the days until they return to their dad… But eighteen uninterrupted days!  Days to fully feel like a mom and be fully immersed in the good, the glorious, and the ugly of my own parenting.   Why am I counting? Under my normal schedule, my consecutive days max out at three.  Summer months provide periods of vacation time that expand our normal paradigm.   For me, and a lot of
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Mediation Mondays: Mediation for LGBTQ+ Couples

June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate love in all its forms and affirm the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. For LGBTQ+ couples navigating divorce or separation, traditional legal systems have not always felt inclusive or affirming. Mediation offers a different path: one rooted in respect, understanding, and the recognition that every family is unique. It creates space for thoughtful conversations and customized solutions, whether about parenting, finances, or future plans. At Koenig|Dunne, we’ve long been at the forefront of advocating for LGBTQ+ couples and families. We understand the nuances that may come with dissolving a partnership—especially in a
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