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Being Nice Helps

Civil and Dignified Divorce by Martin Rosenfeld, JD

In the Fall 2021 issue of “Family Lawyer Magazine”, an interview appears with Attorney Michael Mosberg, at p. 11. The need to engender good will in a contested divorce is outlined. A client of Mr. Mosberg was unlikely to profit much from her share of equitable distribution. What was clear was that Father held his son in great love. An easy strategy would have been to manipulate the father’s love in a way that could monetize the relationship. If Father wanted more time with Son, he would need to provide some quid pro quo. This strategy however was cynical in the extreme. Instead, the client fostered child’s relationship with Father and allowed it to flourish. As a result of this kind gesture, the client ended up with a very proper financial settlement. Father even showed generous actions to Moher in the future dealings. The amicable arrangement was a true Win-Win, but perhaps the biggest Winner of all was the Child. Nice guys do not always finish last. A divorce with dignity is possible; at times it brings immediate rewards to all.

Mediate don’t litigate.

                        author

Martin Rosenfeld

Martin Rosenfeld is a mediator and family law attorney in Fair Lawn, NJ. He has written and lectured on mediation topics. His field of specialization is Divorce Mediation. Martin is on the NJ Roster of approved mediators. In his spare time, Martin is a substitute teacher for the Bergen County… MORE >

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