Curious about navigating the complexities of high-conflict divorce with more grace and empathy? Discover the transformative power of mediation and Collaborative Practice with our esteemed guest, Charmaine Panko, a seasoned lawyer, mediator and Collaborative practitioner from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Together, we unpack the challenges of navigating divorce with a high-conflict personality.

Journey with us as we explore the "divorce escalator" metaphor and how traditional adversarial court systems can heighten tensions instead of resolving them. Personal anecdotes and professional insights reveal the limitations of current legal frameworks in addressing the psychological and financial needs of families in turmoil. We champion a shift towards a more collaborative, problem-solving approach in legal education, aiming for a system that supports long-term planning and mutual understanding over win-lose battles.

Engage with us in a conversation about the benefits of interest-based negotiations, which focus on shared values rather than adversarial tactics. We highlight the critical importance of trust-building, especially in co-parenting scenarios, and how mediation can offer hope for high-conflict personalities.

© 2025 Weber Dispute Resolution. All rights reserved.

The Three Wisemen of Divorce are divorce experts Mark C. Hill, CFP®, CDFA®, Financial Divorce Consultant; Peter Roussos, MA, MFT, CST, psychotherapist; and Shawn Weber, CLS-F*, Family Law Mediator and Divorce Attorney.

In this Presidential Election season, polarization is tearing us apart, but could it also hold the key to understanding and strengthening personal relationships? As the Three Wisemen of Divorce guide us through the charged political landscape of 2024, we uncover how deeply entrenched views can unravel marriages and complicate co-parenting. Through real-life cases, we examine how disagreements over finances and medical care can ignite conflicts, emphasizing that respect for differing opinions often proves more crucial than fiscal harmony.

Our exploration takes a discerning look at divorce and co-parenting, particularly when it comes to differences of opinion over morality, politics or even health care.

The conversation extends to the broader societal divides that color our relationships, whether ideological, religious, or lifestyle-based. By acknowledging the role of mediators and therapists in navigating these treacherous waters in family law and divorce matters, we recognize the value of staying neutral while remaining engaged. Through humor and cultural analogies, the complexities of maintaining respect amidst disagreements become evident.

The Three Wisemen of Divorce are divorce experts Mark C. Hill, CFP®, CDFA®, Financial Divorce Consultant; Peter Roussos, MA, MFT, CST, psychotherapist; and Shawn Weber, CLS-F*, Family Law Mediator and Divorce Attorney.

© 2024 Weber Dispute Resolution. All rights reserved.

Unlock the secrets to effective communication in divorce mediation and transform misunderstandings into mutual understanding. Have you ever wondered why a simple desire, like being a "50-50 dad," can spiral into conflict? We promise to equip you with the tools to navigate these emotional landmines, spotlighting the imperative role of clear intentions and assumptions that can escalate tensions. Our episode sheds light on how professionals diligently maintain neutrality, ensuring both parties in a divorce feel heard and understood, despite the emotional reactivity that often pervades the process.

Through real-life scenarios and expert insights, we dissect the art of distinguishing between complaints and character attacks, guiding you toward more productive conversations. Discover how mediators can transform conflict into cooperation by clarifying complaints and avoiding the triggers of defensive responses. As we explore the intricate dance of mediation strategies, we emphasize persistence and the nuanced understanding of underlying issues. From financial settlements to property division, see how personal desires can overshadow objective considerations and learn how mediators, alongside mental health professionals, help clients articulate hidden needs, paving the way for empathetic, effective resolutions.

The Three Wisemen of Divorce are divorce experts Mark C. Hill, CFP®, CDFA®, Financial Divorce Consultant; Peter Roussos, MA, MFT, CST, psychotherapist; and Shawn Weber, CLS-F*, Family Law Mediator and Divorce Attorney.

© 2024 Weber Dispute Resolution. All rights reserved.