Recent Posts in Divorce Mediation Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Mar-2023 My 7 Tips to Help You Prepare for a Successful Divorce Mediation Process! For more than 35 years, I have successfully served New York as a medically trained divorce attorney and mediator. After witnessing the deep pain of many spouses day after day, I decided to develop a unique divorce mediation process combining ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Feb-2023 Did You Know Mediation Is the Preferred Divorce Method for Millennials? The millennial generation, born between 1980-2000, are enthusiastically embracing Divorce Mediation. Millennials are different from Generation X and Baby Boomers. They are tech savvy, play well with others, are collaborative, and not afraid to ask ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Dec-2022 Do I Need an Attorney if I Am Mediating My Divorce? As a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I am uniquely skilled as both an attorney and a mediator. When I am wearing my mediator hat and guiding a couple in the mediation process I sometimes suggest spouses consult with an ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Dec-2022 Are You Looking for a n Uncontested Divorce In New York? As a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator for more than 35 years, I have guided many spouses through the divorce process. New York law allows couples to obtain an uncontested divorce when both parties agree to the divorce as well as ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Nov-2022 IT Specialists to Social Media Influencers Love Attorney Brenner's Divorce Mediation! Since I have been practicing over 35 years as a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I have had an impressive array of clients from IT specialists to social media influencers. Regardless of a client’s position in life, the 3 ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Oct-2022 Divorcing? Should You Litigate or Mediate? When considering divorce, clients are usually familiar with going to court and fighting. More and more couples are learning there are effective, peaceful options. Some spouses want to fight but others don’t. Having a choice is truly a gift. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Oct-2022 Thinking of Divorce? Don't Make These Mistakes! I have been a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator for over 35 years. I have successfully helped thousands of spouses through the most difficult times of their lives. I have championed their steps whether they have mediated, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Sep-2022 Did You Know You Don't Need an Attorney to Get Divorced? We’ve all heard the horror stories from friends, newspapers, blogs and tabloids. The typical divorce can be a nightmare, and everybody loses. Except, maybe, the divorce attorneys, who get paid for their time while divorcing couples fight over ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Jul-2022 Meet My Peaceful Divorce Process! When considering divorce, clients are usually familiar with going to court and fighting. But more and more clients are learning there are more peaceful options. Many spouses just want to fight. They know of no other way. They only see ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-May-2022 Is Your Wife Abusing You? I have worked with quite a few men over the last 35 years who all found themselves in very emotionally abusive relationships with their wives. In particular, in the last two years, abuse has heightened while couples were in quarantine due to the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-May-2022 Do You Know What The Grounds Are for Divorce in New York? As a divorce attorney/mediator for over 35 years, I am often asked during a consultation about the grounds for divorce in New York. There are seven grounds for divorce. Irretrievable breakdown was added in 2010 as a legal reason – making it ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-May-2022 Let Me Show You How to Divorce Without an Attorney! It’s time to harness the power to manage your own divorce with my groundbreaking psychologically-infused divorce mediation method that approaches divorce both with head (legal) and with heart (emotional). Why fight and be in unnecessary pain ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Apr-2022 Learn More About the Brenner Divorce Mediation Process! For more than 35 years I have served the NYC area as a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator. After witnessing the pain of many couples day after day, I decided to develop a unique mediation process to address divorce in a more humane ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Dec-2021 Ways to Prepare for Your Divorce in the New Year! Although we are all trying to enjoy the holidays and navigate this pandemic, some of us are using this valuable time to prepare for life moving forward as we look to a new year. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to make changes in your life ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Dec-2021 Try Divorce Mediation! For over 35 years I have successfully served the NYC area as a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator. After witnessing the pain of many couples day after day, twenty years ago, I decided to develop a unique psychologically-infused ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Dec-2021 Are You Looking for a Peaceful Approach to Divorce? During these challenging, uncertain times, as a divorce attorney and mediator, I am happy to offer spouses a peaceful approach to divorce. It gives me great pleasure to offer a productive alternative to litigation, combative lawyers, closed courts, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Nov-2021 Are You a High Conflict Couple Looking for a Divorce? As a divorce attorney and mediator, I can tell you divorce litigation is very rarely a positive process. Mediated and negotiated settlements are increasingly popular especially among divorcing couples’ in today’s COVID-19 climate. A high ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Oct-2021 If I Am Mediating my Divorce Do I need an Attorney? As a psychologically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I am uniquely skilled as both an attorney and a mediator. When I am wearing my mediator hat and guiding a couple in the mediation process, I sometimes suggest spouses consult with an ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Sep-2021 Divorcing? Did You Know You Don't Have to Go to Court? Divorcing? You can save money, time, and aggravation, and you don’t have to fight and go to court! As a highly skilled divorce attorney and psychologically trained mediator, I can tell you there is a better, healthier solution. It’s ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Aug-2021 Let Me Help You Decide Whether to Litigate or Mediate! When considering divorce clients are usually familiar with going to court and fighting. But that is not the only way to get a divorce! More and more clients are learning about and wanting a peaceful alternative. These days during consultations, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Aug-2021 Do You Want An Amicable, Speedy, Less Expensive Divorce? Yes, you heard right! The magic of my unique psychologically infused mediation process can get you talking, negotiating, and signing your separation agreement and divorce documents quickly and less expensively than going to court! As a skilled, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Aug-2021 Divorcing Due to COVID-19 Vaccine Differences? I received a phone call 3 months ago from a spouse inquiring about divorce. She went on to say she and her husband of 12 years could not agree on taking the COVID-19 vaccine. She said, “I was absolutely shocked when my husband said he would not ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Jul-2021 Internet Influencers to IT Gurus Love Mediation! Since I have been practicing over 35 years as a divorce attorney and mediator, I have had an amazing array of clients, and most recently from internet influencers to IT gurus. Regardless of a client’s position in life, the 3 P’s of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Apr-2021 Do You Want to Sign Your Divorce Agreement in 30 Days? Do You Want to Sign Your Divorce Agreement in 30 Days? Yes, you heard right! The magic of my unique psychologically infused mediation process can get you talking, negotiating, and signing your separation agreement and divorce documents in 30 days! As ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Mar-2021 Divorce Story As a divorce attorney, and psychologically-trained mediator, I hear all kinds of diverse divorce stories. I have decided to share some of these stories monthly with you. Naturally, I will change the names and some of the details to protect my ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Mar-2021 Did You Know You Can Divorce without Going to Court? That’s right! You can save money, time, and aggravation and you don’t have to fight and go to court! As a highly skilled divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator, I can tell you there is a better, healthier solution to ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Jan-2021 Divorcing? Try Divorce Mediation During the Pandemic! It will Save You Money, Time and Pain! As a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator, I am juggling tons of emails and phone calls from clients divorcing and spouses thinking of divorcing during the coronavirus pandemic. These couples’ issues began way before the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Jan-2021 What to Do When Your Spouse Wants a Divorce! It is not unusual for a spouse to hear with no warning from the other that they want a divorce. There can be a lot of factors influencing a partner to come to this decision. It could be another woman or man, a midlife crisis, psychological issues, or ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Jan-2021 Can a Postnuptial Agreement Save Your Marriage in 2021? With the New Year upon us many couples are re-examining their marriages and wondering how they can make their lives better, especially in these challenging times. Some couples consider a prenuptial agreement when they are getting married. But what if ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Dec-2020 Do You Know You Don't Need a Lawyer to Divorce? You may have just heard the dreaded “D” word pass your spouses lips. You feel sad, lonely, and scared. But you don’t have to be! We’ve all heard the horror stories from friends, newspapers, blogs, and tabloids. The typical ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Nov-2020 Are You a High Conflict Couple Looking for a COVID Divorce? As a divorce attorney and mediator, I can tell you divorce litigation is very rarely a positive process. Mediated and negotiated settlements are increasingly popular, especially among divorcing couples in today’s COVID-19 climate. A high ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Nov-2020 Divorce Story As a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator, I hear all kinds of diverse divorce stories. I have decided to share some of these stories monthly with you. Naturally, I will change the names and some of the details to protect my clients. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Oct-2020 Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer If I am Mediating my Divorce? As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator, I am uniquely skilled as both an attorney and a mediator. When I am wearing my mediator hat and guiding a couple in the mediation process, I sometimes suggest spouses consult with an ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Oct-2020 Need Help Deciding Whether You Should Litigate or Mediate? When considering divorce, many people are familiar with going to court and fighting. But more and more couples are learning there are more peaceful options. These days, during consultations clients ask more about the difference between ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Oct-2020 You Can Divorce Without a Lawyer! We’ve all heard the horror stories from friends, newspapers, blogs and tabloids. The typical divorce can be a nightmare and everybody loses except, maybe, the divorce attorneys, who get paid for their time while divorcing couples fight over ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 7-Oct-2020 Taking Your First Divorce Step! When did you start thinking about divorce? Was it during the coronavirus pandemic? Was it because of finances, fighting, infidelity, control issues, social media postings, or did you simply fall out of love? Couples don’t just wake up one day ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Oct-2020 What is a Statement of Net Worth? What is a Statement of Net Worth? When divorcing, a Statement of Net Worth is that annoying financial form your attorney/mediator sticks in front of you and says, “Fill it out!” You look at it, start sweating, and think, “Oh no! ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Sep-2020 Are You Married to a Psychopath? As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator, I meet all kinds of people in tumultuous marriages suffering from various forms of mental illness. Many spouses don’t realize mental health issues are destroying the fabric of their ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Sep-2020 Divorce Mediation - The Peaceful Path! As we approach the holidays, and work our way towards a “new normal” during this uncertain time of COVID-19, many unhappy spouses are calling me to take proactive steps towards divorce. For couples who have never traveled this road ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Sep-2020 What Should Be In Your Separation Agreement? Are you thinking of divorce? Well, you’re not alone. With approximately 50% of all marriages ending in divorce, this is not as uncommon as you think. An important part of the divorce process is developing an agreement with which you are both ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Aug-2020 For Millennials Divorce is a "Simpler" Affair! I have worked with quite a few millennial couples recently who have embraced their divorce with a maturity and dignity that is new to me. They enthusiastically embrace mediation because it is amicable, less expensive, and not quite as time consuming ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 31-Jul-2020 3 Tips for Managing Divorce Anxiety Yes, divorce anxiety is a real thing! Divorce conjures up all kinds of stress, and fear! As a psychologically-trained medical professional and divorce attorney, I can spot divorce anxiety right away. I often see the symptoms before my clients do. Why ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Jul-2020 Litigation? Mediation? Which Path Will You Choose? There are two ways to get divorced in New York. One is litigation, the old traditional way in court. Both parties hire an attorney and they fight it out. The other path is the new, more progressive process of mediation. An attorney/mediator guides a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Jul-2020 Choose Mediation! Did you Know You Can Divorce Without Lawyers? It’s time to harness the power to manage your own divorce with my groundbreaking psychologically-infused divorce mediation method that approaches divorce both with head (legal) and with heart ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Jul-2020 7 Signs Your Spouse is Hiding Assets When a client comes to see me to discuss divorce, it is not unusual for me to hear I think my spouse is hiding assets. I have no idea what assets we have, or where they are. What do I do?” I advise couples getting married to pay attention to ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jul-2020 8 Tips to Reduce the Effects of Divorce on Your Children! Divorce is very difficult and an especially confusing time for children. Couples often get caught up in their own anger, drama, and the messy divorce process; the desire for revenge and the division of property and finances. But, who is looking out ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Jul-2020 Divorce Story! As a divorce attorney, and psychologically-trained mediator, I hear all kinds of diverse divorce stories. I have decided to share some of these stories monthly with you. Naturally, I will change the names and some of the details to protect my ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Jul-2020 Are You Entitled to Rehabilitative Maintenance? As a divorce attorney and mediator it is my responsibility to inform clients of what they are entitled to when considering a divorce. Women, in particular, don’t realize they may be entitled to Rehabilitative Maintenance. For those of you who ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Jul-2020 The 3 P's of Divorce Mediation! Positive, Productive & Peaceful For over 35 years I have served the NYC area as a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator. After witnessing the pain of many couples day after day, I decided to develop a unique mediation process to address divorce in a more humane and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Jul-2020 What Women Need to Know to Financially Prepare for Divorce! There are over 10 million female-owned businesses in America. These companies are generating more than $2.5 trillion dollars. Now more than ever, women need to take control of their finances. Women are more financially successful than ever before! ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Jul-2020 5 Signs Your Spouse has a Personality Disorder! As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney and mediator, I receive many calls from spouses who talk about their marriages that are filled with drama, hostility, verbal abuse, and high intensity. When I hear some of these descriptions, I often ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Jul-2020 I Want a Divorce. Should I Move Out? The answer is usually, “No!” I tell clients never to leave their home. Making this move can work against you when divorcing if not properly strategized. I often hear from clients that once divorce is in the air it is extremely difficult ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Jul-2020 How to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce! A player from a major league baseball team called my office and scheduled a phone consultation. His wife seemed to have bipolar disorder and/or depression. He had tried to cope with it for many years, especially as he was on the road a lot, but he ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Jul-2020 What to Do When Your Husband Wants a Divorce! It is not unusual for a wife to all of a sudden hear from her husband that he wants a divorce. There can be a lot of factors influencing a partner to come to this decision; another woman, a midlife crisis; and sometimes financial difficulties. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Jun-2020 I am a Dependent Spouse. Do I Have to Pay My Legal Fees? I had a new client last year who was terrified when she called me. She was married to a very rich philanthropist who was extremely controlling. He liked to control everything, from his money, to his businesses, to her. In spite of their enormous ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Jun-2020 Are You Wavering About Your Divorce? It's a big decision. You've been thinking about it for a long time. Should I? Shouldn't I? Yes, I really should. But what will it mean? How do I tell my spouse? These are the questions I often hear from people who consult with me. Usually ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Jun-2020 Nannies to Nobility Love Mediation! Since I have been practicing over 35 years I have had an amazing array of clients from nannies to nobility. Regardless of a client’s position in life the 3 P’s of Mediation is appealing to all - Positive, Productive, and Peaceful. About ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Jun-2020 Litigation vs. Mediation: To Punish or Not to Punish? When considering divorce clients are usually familiar with going to court and fighting. More and more clients are learning there are more peaceful options. These days, during consultations clients ask more about the difference between ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Jun-2020 Divorce Story As a divorce attorney, and psychologically-trained mediator I hear all kinds of diverse divorce stories. I have decided to share some of these stories monthly with you. Naturally, I will change the names and some of the details to protect my clients. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Jun-2020 4 Reasons to say "Goodbye" to your Divorce Lawyer! Why did you hire your divorce attorney? An impressive legal background? Great reviews? A family referral? Whatever the reason, if you are not happy with your divorce lawyer, and they’re not doing a great job for you, it’s time to them to ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Jun-2020 It's Time for Change! Taking your First Divorce Step! I often tell my clients going through a divorce, the only predictability in life is change. We all dread and reluctantly develop coping mechanisms for managing the inevitable change that is part of being human, just as we are all adjusting to life ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jun-2020 Child Custody Challenges During the Pandemic! As a divorce attorney and mediator with over 35 years of experience, I’ve seen it all! Nothing surprises me. But divorce cases I am handling during COVID -19 have been real eye-openers. Fortunately, I have some great solutions!! A devoted dad, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Jun-2020 Divorce Mediation - The Peaceful Alternative! During these difficult times of medical confusion, loss of jobs, and socially painful unrest, as a divorce attorney and mediator, I am happy to offer spouses a peaceful approach to divorce. It gives me great pleasure to offer a productive alternative ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Jun-2020 Did You Know Divorce Can Ruin Your Credit Score? If you are thinking about getting a divorce, your credit score may be the last thing on your mind, but you’d better think twice. Divorce can greatly impact your finances and credit history. Even the most amicable divorce can leave you in ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Jun-2020 DIVORCE: With or Without Lawyers! It’s true! The courts will be opening up again soon! The backlog will be brutal, and for many of you thinking of divorce going to court may be unnecessary! Why go to court when you can divorce without lawyers. You will avoid the turmoil of the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-May-2020 Do You Know Your "Marriage Money Style?" Money for most of us is an emotionally charged topic. That’s why few of us and few couples like to talk about it. When couples come to see me and are considering a divorce, money can actually be, yes, even more than sex, what is driving the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-May-2020 5 Spring Cleaning Divorce Tips With the change of season comes the deep desire to start getting rid of the old and bring in the new. Cleaning out the closets, getting organized, opening up the windows, and airing out the house. It feels good!! Now that many of us are still staying ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-May-2020 3 Tips for Handling Divorce Anxiety! Yes, divorce anxiety is a real thing. As a psychologically-trained medical professional, mediator and divorce attorney, I can spot divorce anxiety right away. I often hear and see the symptoms before my clients do. Why wouldn’t divorce be ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-May-2020 5 Tips to Help You Talk to Your Spouse about Divorce while in Quarantine Kevin and Laurie have been married for 15 years. They have a 6 year old daughter with behavioral problems. Kevin is a financial planner, and Laurie works part-time as a computer programmer. For the past 2 years, Kevin has been concerned that his wife ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-May-2020 Men Get Abused Too! When we think of spousal abuse we often hear the wife is being abused, but men get abused too! I have worked with a few men in the last six months who all found themselves in very emotionally abusive relationships with their wives. The abuse then ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-May-2020 How are You Handling Your Marital Issues During this Pandemic? With social distancing our “new normal” and many states maintaining a shelter-in-place mandate, unhappy couples are stuck at home with no escape. With school cancelled, no babysitters to help, working at home, caring for children and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-May-2020 Is Your Spouse Depressed? As a New York divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator I hear from a lot of spouses who want a divorce because they have realized they have been living the horrors of being married to a narcissist or sociopath. But there are other ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-May-2020 Divorcing Safely During a Pandemic! Being quarantined together is difficult even for those of us in good relationships. For couples going through divorce, or about to go through divorce and in a dysfunctional relationship, it’s a nightmare! Right now, due to the Corona virus ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Apr-2020 Am I Entitled to Spousal Support? As a divorce attorney and mediator I hear this question all the time. Spousal support can be a little tricky. Did you know spousal support is not guaranteed? Did you know spousal support (alimony) can be paid by husbands or wives? The purpose behind ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Apr-2020 4 Ways to Prepare for Your Divorce During Quarantine! Although we are all wondering when this pandemic will be over, some of us are using this valuable time to prepare for life moving forward. Now is the time to take the necessary steps to make changes in your life that you may have been putting on the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Apr-2020 Are You a High Conflict Couple? As a divorce attorney and mediator I can tell you divorce litigation is very rarely a positive process. Mediated and negotiated settlements are increasingly popular especially among divorcing couples in today’s COVID-19 climate. A high conflict ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Apr-2020 4 Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Divorcing During this Panic! 1.) NOT CONSIDERING MEDIATION: ESPECIALLY NOW ! If there is any chance you and your spouse can work together in an amicable way - consider mediation ! Even if you are angry with each other mediation can work. Mediation will save you time and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Apr-2020 Why I Suggested My Client Quarantine with His Ex-Wife and Her Boyfriend! These days, as a divorce attorney and mediator, I help clients virtually using my mediation process, which, especially now, helps clients save money, time and maintain safety. Two weeks ago, I helped a divorced couple with what is by far one of my ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Apr-2020 5 Ways to Stay Sane While Locked Up in an Unhappy Marriage During the Coronavirus Pandemic! The coronavirus has changed our everyday lives beyond our understanding. We are all trying to be strong, go with the flow, and find creative ways to cope. Then there are those of us unhappily locked up with our spouse or significant other in an ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Apr-2020 Cheating During the Coronavirus Pandemic! Even though we are busy battling the coronavirus, I recently received an emergency call from a man who had just discovered his wife was having an affair. He had gone to his wife’s phone to check for the time for a teleconference with his ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Apr-2020 The Courts are Closed but Did You Know You Can Divorce Without Going to Court? That’s right! This coronavirus pandemic has drastically affected all of you wanting a divorce! But as a very skilled divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator I can tell you, there is a welcome solution. It’s called Mediation. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 30-Mar-2020 Are You Living in a Miserable Marriage? It's Time to GET OUT! You may have been living in an unhappy marriage and just not gotten the courage to do anything about it. It's easy to keep putting it off because you know it will be unpleasant. But now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, you are stuck at home 24/7 ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Mar-2020 Can Mediation Help Your Domestic Partnership? As a divorce attorney and mediator for over 35 years I have helped thousands of couples in all kinds of relationships. You may be thinking, “What is a domestic partnership?” In New York, a domestic partnership is defined as a legal ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Mar-2020 Mediation: A Superior Solution for Divorcing Spouses and their Families during the Coronavirus Pandemic! As a divorce attorney & psychologically-trained mediator I am juggling tons of emails and phone calls from clients divorcing and spouses thinking of divorcing during the coronavirus pandemic. These couples’ issues began way before the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Mar-2020 Do You Need Help Divorcing an Addict? Actor Ben Affleck recently said his divorce from actress Jennifer Garner was the biggest regret of his life. Unfortunately, his alcohol addiction contributed to the dissolution of their marriage. Spouses faced with addiction being a third party in ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Mar-2020 8 Things to Include in Your Separation Agreement Are you and your spouse thinking of divorce? Are you familiar with a separation agreement? The first step in the process of divorce after the couple has negotiated their “deal” is the drafting of a separation agreement. This is a legal ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 17-Mar-2020 Are You Thinking of Divorcing During the Coronavirus Pandemic? I know that thinking about or getting a divorce, under the best of circumstances, is an overwhelming experience. Divorcing while dealing with the Coronavirus is the last thing you need. Unfortunately, anger, abuse, infidelity, neglect, and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Mar-2020 I Want a Divorce. Should I Move Out? The answer is, “No!” I tell clients never to leave their home (or hardly ever). Making this move can work against you when divorcing if not properly strategized. I often hear from clients that once divorce is in the air it is extremely ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Mar-2020 You Don't Need an Attorney to Get a Divorce! It’s true! If you are unhappy in your marriage and you have tried everything, the clock is ticking and it’s time to harness the power to manage your own divorce with my groundbreaking psychologically-infused divorce mediation method that ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 9-Mar-2020 Do You Have a Right to a Family Business in Divorce? Divorce is no doubt an emotional nightmare, but it is also a financial and legal separation of a couple, and their family. When considering divorce, spouses have a lot to consider financially like budgets, assets, property and retirement accounts. ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Mar-2020 Divorce Tips for a Stay-at-Home Spouse! Are you wondering how you are going to survive financially if divorce comes knocking at your door? I received a phone call over the weekend from a devastated spouse who said, “I can’t believe it, I have been married, I thought happily for ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Mar-2020 Dads are Much More than just Child Support Payments!! When a married couple goes through a divorce, one of the most contested issues is often their children. As a psychologically-trained mediator and divorce attorney for more than thirty-five years, I’ve seen countless custody disputes. For many ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Feb-2020 My Best 2020 Divorce Advice! Divorce is traditionally a painful and dreaded process, but it doesn’t have to be as awful as you expect! To help you with your 2020 divorce goals, I’m sharing my suggestions for protecting yourself, your family and your finances. As a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Feb-2020 Are you sure Your Spouse is Paying the Taxes? It’s that time of year again. Dreaded tax time is coming up! Everyone is scrambling right now to get all their documents together to get them to their accountant. For those getting a divorce, taxes are the least of their worries, or so you ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Feb-2020 5 Warning Signs - It's Time to Change Attorneys! Is your divorce attorney not returning your calls or emails? Do you meet with your attorney and feel they don’t really remember the details of your case? Is there poor communication or no communication? Are you not getting the attention from ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Feb-2020 4 Valentine's Day - Healthy Marriage Tips! As you know Valentine’s Day is Friday! Yay!! Traditionally couples in the millions get engaged on this day. Being a divorce attorney and psychologically-trained mediator in the love and divorce business for over thirty-five years, sadly, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-Feb-2020 What to Do when your Spouse Wants a Divorce! It is not unusual for a spouse to hear with no warning from the other that they want a divorce. There can be a lot of factors influencing a partner to come to this decision; another woman or man, a midlife crisis, psychological issues and sometimes ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Feb-2020 Tips to Avoid Divorce Disasters When people decide to divorce it is usually in the whirlwind of heightened emotion. People are not always thinking rationally in this mindset. I often caution clients not to be reactive when thinking about divorcing. I suggest they stop, think and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Jan-2020 Divorcing? Remember your Spouse is no longer your "Best Friend" Divorce is often a rude smack in the face. On your wedding day, if you are lucky, you married your best friend. But now with the wear and tear of life, you have grown apart, you are no longer “in love” and divorce is your new paradigm. As ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 20-Jan-2020 3 Tips to Settle a Child Custody Dispute As a seasoned family law attorney, mediator, and psychologically-trained medical professional, I regularly counsel mothers and fathers going through divorce who are considering a custody action. Often these concerned parents have a fair amount of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jan-2020 Is Your New Year's Resolution to Separate or Divorce? If it is, I’m here to keep you on track and help you meet your goal! Did you know Monday, January 6 this year was dubbed “Divorce Day”? This was the day people returned to work and decided they had enough, wanted out of their ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Dec-2019 10 FINANCIAL DIVORCE TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW! Even if you are not quite ready to get divorced, or know someone who might be, you need to be informed and Financially Smart. Deciding to Divorce is a complex process. Deciding how easy or difficult the process will be depends on you and how your ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Dec-2019 Did you Know you can Divorce Without Lawyers? Divorce? Oh no! We’ve all heard the horror stories from friends, newspapers, blogs and tabloids. The typical divorce can be a nightmare, and everybody loses. Except, maybe, the divorce attorneys, who get paid for their time while divorcing ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 27-Nov-2019 Lois Brenner's New York Divorce 101! When did you start thinking about divorce? Was it because of finances, fighting, infidelity, control issues, social media postings, or did you simply fall out of love? Couples don’t just wake up one day and decide they want a divorce. A lot of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Nov-2019 4 Tips to Avoid Divorce Disaster! Litigation sucks! No doubt. I try to help clients avoid it whenever possible. But sometimes it’s the only way to have a spouse sit up and listen. But make no mistake, if you are not mentally aware and legally prepared your divorce can be a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 21-Nov-2019 Is Social Media Killing Your Marriage? When a young woman called me and said, “Social Media Killed My Marriage,” I told her I wasn’t surprised. More and more this is a chief complaint and cause for divorce. Couples don’t realize social media networking ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 19-Nov-2019 Are You Living with a Controlling Spouse? My new client seemed very anxious and started twirling her hair around her finger. She started by telling me that she was very concerned because her husband kept separate bank accounts and he was cutting down on the “spending” money he ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 11-Nov-2019 Could your Spouse be Bipolar? A divorcing couple came to see me for mediation. The husband had significant outstanding credit card bills. He also drank quite a bit. The wife wanted a divorce and they had one child. Whenever we had a meeting, the husband dominated the meeting, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Nov-2019 10 Signs your Spouse may be Cheating! Do you lie awake at night and wonder? Do you have a feeling in the pit of your stomach most of the time? You know something is not quite right, but you can’t put your finger on it. Do you think your spouse is cheating? Are you afraid to ask? Do ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Oct-2019 5 Signs You are in an Unhealthy Relationship! As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney I can often spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship even before my clients do. My advice in some cases is to seek therapy, in others I strongly suggest they consider divorce. If you see yourself ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Oct-2019 IS YOUR SPOUSE A NARCISSIST? You would be very surprised to learn that psychological problems plague many divorcing couples today, and they don’t even know it. That is until now! When you look at the complex issues that infect families like verbal and physical abuse, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Sep-2019 Poor Mental Health Destroys Marriages! We see all kinds of abusive relationships in the news but do you know many marriages end today because one party is dealing with mental health issues that result in abusive behaviors that destroy marriages? Today a person facing divorce Googles ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Sep-2019 5 Co-Parenting Tips! During and after divorce it’s important to remember your children did not sign on to be your football. Many parents put their children right in the middle of their mess out of anger and pain. My advice? Don’t! Your children don’t ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Sep-2019 Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads can Survive Divorce!! Are you wondering how you are going to survive your divorce financially? There are many spouses who married young or gave up lucrative careers to have children once they were married. They often spend most of their marriage helping to support and, in ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Aug-2019 3 Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Divorcing! 1.) NOT CONSIDERING MEDIATION: If there is any chance you and your spouse can work together in an amicable way- consider mediation! Mediation will save you time and thousands of dollars in legal fees, not to mention unnecessary heartache! As a ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Jul-2019 EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL BRENNER DIVORCE MEDIATION METHOD! What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “divorce?” “Fight!” Hire a Lawyer.” This is the way it’s been ever since the founding of our country, when we imported the British legal model for divorce ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 26-Apr-2019 6 Spring Cleaning Divorce Tips 6 SPRING CLEANING DIVORCE TIPS Yeaaay! Spring is finally here! I thought it would never come. With the change of season comes the deep desire to start getting rid of the old and bring in the new. Cleaning out the closets, getting organized, opening ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Mar-2019 Is Your Spouse Paying Taxes? Is Your Spouse Paying the Taxes? It’s that time of year again. Dreaded tax time! For those getting a divorce, taxes are the least of their worries. But let me share with you a story that will open your eyes and make you think twice. After ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Feb-2019 DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Traditionally couples in the millions get engaged on this day. Being in the field of family law as an attorney for more than thirty-five years, I expect that fifty ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 4-Jan-2019 DIVORCE MEDIATION MATTERS TO MILLENIALS DIVORCE MEDIATION MATTERS TO MILLENIALS The millennial generation, born between 1980-2000, are enthusiastically embracing Divorce Mediation. Millenials are different from Generation X and Baby Boomers. They are tech savvy, play well with others, they ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 3-Dec-2018 Five Ways to Survive the Holidays During a Divorce Five Ways to Survive the Holidays During a Divorce Going through a separation or divorce during the holidays can be really dreadful! This time of year you are expected to be festive and to behave as if things are good. On the inside you’re ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Nov-2018 Divorcing? Children? Holidays? Oh, No! Divorcing? Children? Holidays? Oh, No! When you are a divorce attorney inevitably holiday time for clients and their families is turbulent and for some, very unhappy. Where do the children spend Thanksgiving? Who gets Hanukkah? What about Christmas? ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Sep-2018 Your Divorce Checklist! Your Divorce Checklist! You have been busy shopping for clothes and school supplies. You’ve been busy preparing the children to go back to school, and now they have settled in. This is the time of year when once the children are focused and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Aug-2018 Save Your Marriage with a Postnuptial Agreement Save Your Marriage with a Postnuptial Agreement I met with a married couple recently who had an unusual request. They wanted to discuss issues they were having in their open marriage. This was somewhat of an eye opening situation for me. They had ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Jul-2018 3 Best Methods to Settle a Custody Dispute 3 Best Methods to Settle a Custody Dispute Last week, I read that Nia Vardalos, the My Big Fat Greek Wedding (funny movie!) star, and Ian Gomez sadly filed for divorce after 25 years of marriage. They cited irreconcilable differences and asked for ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Jul-2018 DIVORCE: With or Without Lawyers! DIVORCE: With or Without Lawyers! I have been educating clients and the public for many years on how divorce doesn’t always have to be down and dirty. Divorce can be handled in a variety of ways. I can help you explore your options. You can ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-May-2018 Lois Brenner in The New York Times! Take a look at my Letter to the Editor at The New York Times on Mediating Abusive Relationships. You may find it interesting! If you or someone you know is being abused I can show you how mediation can be helpful when dealing with abusive ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 10-May-2018 DO ROYALS HAVE PRENUPS? DO ROYALS HAVE PRENUPS? Should you? When anyone ties the knot there is a lot at stake, but when you’re Royal that usually includes a whole lot of money! You may be surprised to learn when it comes to the royal family in England, prenups are ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-May-2018 Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets? Divorcing? Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets? When a client comes to see me to discuss divorce it is not unusual for me to hear “I think my spouse is hiding assets. I have no idea what assets we have, or where they are. What do I do?” At many ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 6-Apr-2018 Are you ready to build your "Bird Nest?" Are you ready to build your “Bird Nest?” Have you all seen the new show “Splitting Up Together”? It is a new series that airs Tuesday nights at 9:30 PM on ABC. It is about a couple that falls out of love, (as many do these ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Apr-2018 Can a Postnuptial Agreement save your Marriage? Can a Postnuptial Agreement save your Marriage? Getting married is very exciting! Spring is that time of year when brides are eagerly gearing up for their June weddings and all the glitz, glamour and drama that a wedding brings. But what about the ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 13-Mar-2018 GET YOUR "FREE" DIVORCE PERSONALITY QUIZ!!!! GET YOUR “FREE” DIVORCE PERSONALITY QUIZ!!!! Head (Legal Strategy) + Heart (Emotions) “Unlike any other Divorce Attorney” Lois M. Brenner, Esq., PA-C, is a renowned New York Divorce Attorney, an accredited Divorce Mediator and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Mar-2018 ARE YOU ENTITLED TO SPOUSAL SUPPORT? ARE YOU ENTITLED TO SPOUSAL SUPPORT? Sometimes clients are confused as to how spousal support works. As a psychologically-trained mediator and divorce attorney, I often define what spousal support is and how it applies to a couple’s situation ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 2-Mar-2018 FINANCIAL DIVORCE "SMARTS" FINANCIAL DIVORCE “SMARTS” Are you financially ready to get divorced? Even if you are not quite ready to get divorced, you need to be informed and Financially Smart. Deciding to Divorce is a complex process. Deciding how easy or difficult ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 28-Feb-2018 Father's Rights: More than Just Child Support Payments Father’s Rights: More than Just Child Support Payments “The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” - Abbé Prévost, Manon Lescaut When a married couple goes through a divorce, one of the most contested issues ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Feb-2018 FOUR TIPS TO DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! FOUR TIPS TO DIVORCE PROOF YOUR RELATIONSHIP! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Traditionally, millions of couples get engaged on this day. Being an attorney in the field of family law for more than thirty-five years, I expect that ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Jan-2018 Divorce Without Lawyers DIVORCE WITHOUT LAWYERS What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “divorce?” “Fight!” “Hire a divorce lawyer.” For 2017 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and Janet Jackson and Wissma al Mana come to ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 1-Aug-2017 Warning Signs You May Be Married To a Narcissist! Warning Signs You May Be Married To a Narcissist! Aren’t we all slightly narcissistic? The answer is, “Yes.” There are various healthy traits of narcissism in many of us. But then there is the actual diagnosis of narcissistic ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Feb-2017 Watch My Webinar on The Psychology of Divorce I recently participated in the Wednesday Wisdom Weekly Webinar Series for Savvy Ladies. They are a non-profit dedicated to helping women attain the information and resources they need to lead a financially secure life. I presented on my use of ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 5-Jan-2017 A Better Way To Divorce in 2017! Did you know January is Divorce month? Most couples who have been thinking about divorce tend to move forward in the New Year. They have struggled to make it through the holidays and now they want a fresh start. What most couples don’t know is ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 15-Dec-2016 Tips for Handling Divorce Anxiety! Tips for Handling Divorce Anxiety! Yes, divorce anxiety is a real thing. As a psychologically-trained medical professional and divorce attorney, I can spot divorce anxiety right away. I often see the symptoms before my clients do. Why wouldn’t ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Dec-2016 Is Social Media Killing Your Marriage? When a young woman called me last week and said, “Social Media Killed My Marriage,” I told her I wasn’t surprised. More and more this is a chief complaint and cause for divorce. Couples don’t realize social media networking ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 23-Nov-2016 Surviving Difficult Conversations About the Election this Thanksgiving Are you worried about political disagreements ruining family time this Thanksgiving? Lois was recently interviewed by Vogue and gave some tips on how to keep things civil with family members over the holidays. Here's a snippet of her advice from ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Nov-2016 Is Your Spouse Cheating On You? Do you lie awake at night and wonder? Do you have a feeling in the pit in your stomach most of the time? You know something is not quite right, but you can’t put your finger on it. Do you think your spouse is cheating? Are you afraid to ask? Do ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 18-Oct-2016 To Trick or Treat? TO TRICK OR TREAT? What divorcing/divorced parents can do so Halloween isn’t a nightmare! When you got divorced did you discuss Halloween as part of your visitation schedule? Probably not. After all it’s not Thanksgiving, Christmas or ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 12-Oct-2016 Are you thinking of pulling the plug on your marriage? Courtesy of HBO Sarah Jessica Parker’s new show “Divorce” on HBO which aired on October 9 th introduces us to Frances (Parker), a corporate headhunter with two children. She is an unhappy, middle-aged, and a disconnected woman ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 22-Sep-2016 When Should You Ask For Sole Physical Custody of the Children? WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK FOR SOLE PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN? On Tuesday we heard the sad news that Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after twelve years together, and two years married. The papers file in Los Angeles cited ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 16-Sep-2016 Is Your Spouse A Sociopath? You would be very surprised to learn that psychological problems plague many divorcing couples today, and they don’t even know it. That is until now! When you look at the complex issues that infect families like verbal and physical abuse, ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Aug-2016 Are you a Divorcing Stay-at-Home Mom? There are many women who married young or gave up lucrative careers to have children once they were married. They often spend most of their marriage helping to support and in some cases build their husband’s careers/businesses in the best ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 29-Mar-2016 Navigating the Divorce Process: Know Your Options If you are contemplating a divorce in New York, you know that this isn’t a decision you should make hastily. It is important to know your options as well as the various ways in which you can achieve your end goal. It is also equally important ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 8-Nov-2012 So You're Getting a Divorce-Does that Mean You Need to Fight in Court? Going through a divorce can be one of the most emotionally painful things a person can experience. Two people once united by love or some semblance thereof are now divided due to infidelity, emotional or physical distance, mental or bodily abuse, and ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 25-Jan-2011 Parenting Classes for Divorce It is my goal as a divorce attorney and mediator to introduce my clients to all the tools necessary to see them through the difficult divorce process with as much support as possible. That is why as part of my evaluation of each divorce case, I ... Continue Reading Posted By Lois M. Brenner, Esq. 24-Nov-2010 Divorce Mediation - The Peaceful Alternative As we approach the holidays, the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, many couples who are having difficulties in their marriage start thinking about making changes in the new year. For many couples that means-divorce. For couples that ... Continue Reading