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Don't ruin the holidays for the kids. Divorce can be a devastating transition for kids and Christmas time can be especially traumatic, especially when couples are deep in conflict. Help make it merrier with cooperation and advance planning.
    "Fail to plan, plan to fail," says Karen Stewart, divorce mediator and president of Fairway Divorce (www.fairwaydivorce.com).  "Holidays can be difficult at the best of times but with divorced/ separated families it can be chaos.
    "If parents do not plan then kids are often left torn between where to go, who to spend time with juggling the two families and extended families is more than any kids should have to handle," Stewart says.
    Advance planning in detail reduces last-minute decisions which may result in hard feelings and arguments, adds Stewart, an expert at conflict resolution.
    Replace happy memories of past holidays with new ones -create new traditions. "Perhaps put on a family play and take the kids around to family and friends to perform. Consider going out for holiday dinners..."
    Generally, kids are adaptable and will respond as the parent responds so be disciplined about keeping a smile and happy face, Stewart says.
    Children feel torn in divorce if they perceive that one parent is hurting because of the other parent's behaviour, she says. "Parents must at all times reassure the child that they are OK and that they want their child to enjoy their time with the other parent."
    Pretend if you have to -children need to feel that you are happy when they are spending time with their other parent, she says.
    Be supportive and positive. "Children are half of each parent. Bad mouthing a parent is basically telling the child that one half of them is not OK. Do not badmouth their parent around them -ever. A parent will destroy their child's self esteem this way."
    Keep kids connected to their grandparents -they play a huge role in the well being and development of children. "Divorcing parents does not mean divorcing grandparents," says Stewart, adding grandparents need to be kept out of the divorce mess.
    "Ruthlessly protect this space so that the children will never be put in a position where they cannot spend time with their grandparents. Sometimes grandparents are the only stable environment during divorce and save the child's emotional well being."
   

BAD BEHAVIOUR IS SYNONYMOUS WITH DIVORCE:
    "Kids have been torn away from one household in the middle of gift opening to run out the door to be with the other parent," says divorce mediator Karen Stewart. "This is heart wrenching and must be avoided." Be sure to have an exact exchange time as every minute seems to matter for families during holiday season.
    * Receiving the exact same gift or way more from one house than the other can make kids feel very bad about themselves and/or one parent, says Stewart, president of www.fairwaydivorce.com.Coordinate gift giving in advance.
    * Some parents use the holiday season to get back at their ex-partner. Vindictive behaviour is "nothing short of abuse and happens way too often. This is so damaging to children and can leave scars for life," says Stewart.
   

ACT LIKE A GROWNUP
    Make it an emotionally healthy and merry Christmas for kids with these tips:
    * Plan events in advance so kids know where and when they are going. This way, kids can look forward to spending time with each parent and extended families.
    * Establish a new tradition.
    * Keep kids busy -plan physical activity every day to tire them out.
    * Keep presents about the same volume and expense at each household.
    * Teach kids about gratitude and speak positive, empowering language to create energy of love and thankfulness. Avoid negative language and interaction at all costs.

    -- Courtesy of Karen Stewart, www.fairwaydivorce.com

"Flash-in-the-pan marriages are for celebs; the norm is fewer divorces and more serious commitments."

Fairway Divorce has been quoted as part of the latest divorce article in Macleans Magazine.  Click here to read the full article.

If you are in any way impacted by divorce, Click here to read Karen Stewart's ten tips to financial security.

Agreeing on Priorities Early On is Essential
by Karen Stewart

Back to school is a busy time of year for any family, but for those also trying to juggle the challenges of co-parenting it can be even more exhausting and stressful. Balancing the needs and wants of kids while also dealing with trying to accommodate the different value systems or priorities of each household can be result in unnecessary conflict. Like most events in the lives of co-parenting families, parents are best to plan in advance. Back to school brings the need to make decisions around back to school clothing, supplies, budgeting, extracurricular activities and scheduling and the earlier you can agree on priorities the better.

The laws in Canada set out child support guidelines that are based on income and so for most families there is a clearly defined amount of money that is received monthly. This child support amount will be one of the most important variables in setting a budget and therefore what can be spent on what activities. While setting the budget can be stressful, often deciding where the money is best allocated can be tricky as well, especially if you are trying to balance the wishes of the kids and the resources of the parents.

The best way to approach this decision is to firstly set out the budget and then determine the options. If the parents can agree on what would fall into the acceptable category then let the child make the final decision. This is best in that it addresses both parents’ value systems but most importantly empowers the child to not only participate in the decision but take ownership of it.

Once the decision is made around how the children’s time is going to be spent with regards to extracurricular activities, homework, etc., then it becomes a question of what parent is responsible for what.

The best way to handle getting kids to and from activities is that whoever has the kids at the time of the activity should be responsible. If the parent cannot take the child for some reason then there is nothing wrong with them asking the other parent but there is a “but”. The “but” is that it is not the other parents responsibility to say yes, and only of it works should they agree. Setting boundaries is one of the most difficult things for divorced families and accepting without question when the answer is “no”. Of course then the parent who needs help can certainly ask others to assist. When it works, it is great for both parents to attend activities regardless of whose job it is that night.

Another area that can bring stress is the back and forth between households and all the “stuff” that needs to travel with the children. The best rule of thumb is that the less the kids have to pack back and forth the better. Try and limit the stuff they carry back and forth to school homework, outer wear, sporting equipment, the big ticket items or items that they need day to day. Parents are best advised to pick up the kids when it is their turn versus drop off. Picking up allows the parents a few minutes in the car to run through the list and if something is missing the child can easily run back into the house rather then the opposite scenario of getting dropped off and realizing that all the homework was left at the other house. This means calling back, another drive and unnecessary stress for everyone.

It is obviously better if both parents are equally committed to the children’s activities, homework and can positively interact with each other about their children but for some that is just simply not the case. In those cases, stay focused on what you can control which is yourself and doing the best you can to support the kids activities. Gather people who care about your family around to help and focus on providing your kids with experiences and the activities that you can afford. Do not waste time focusing on what your ex does or does not do as that is a waste of time and energy that is better spent focusing on the kids and your future.

Comment on this article through yummymummyclub.ca

Click here to view Fairway Divorce Solutions article in Entrepreneur Magazine's September 2011 issue.

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for all involved. Being organized is key to getting the year off to a good start.

But for divorced parents, co-ordinating events through two different households and trying to balance budgets can create chaos.

Calgary-based Karen Stewart, founder and president of Fairway Divorce Solutions, which has a London office franchise, says both parents need to be involved in school life and it is important to keep the child's needs first.

She offers these tips:

Discuss with your ex items that do not fall under child support to ensure that there are no double purchases and nothing is being left out.
For field trips and special courses, make sure to discuss not only who will cover the extra financial expense, but also how much time and co-ordination will be required and who will provide it.

Parents need to both take responsibility for contacting the school and ensuring they are up to date on the children's academic and social performance. One parent is not responsible for updating the other.

Both parents should be involved in and attend events when they can to show as much support and love as possible. The parent who has the children at the time is responsible for ensuring they get to and from commitments on time.

Avoid trying to establish or enforce rules in the other parents home; trying to do that never has a good outcome.

If parents still have a friendly relationship and share the same value systems, don't be afraid to have an honest conversation on each other's methods and rules.

Avoid making switches during the school day (i.e. Mom drops the kids off in the morning and dad picks them up after school) to decrease the chances of a mix-up. This also will limit the number of things the kids have to carry to school and remember each day.  

 To Read full articles click here

Parents should do their best to co-operate for children's sake: experts
BY KATHERINE DEDYNA, TIMES COLONIST AUGUST 27, 2011
 
Back to school brings its own set of pressures. For kids, there can be anxiety about new teachers, classroom challenges and friendships. For parents, concerns may include the cost of new "in" gear, scheduling all the extra curriculars and getting kids out the door every day with lunch after a lazy summer.

But in families where the parents have split up, there's more to balance with less time, money and energy and two households instead of one to manage.

Typical issues can include budgeting for class trips or school activities school friends can afford, drop off and pickup scheduling and kids dealing with different homework expectations from week to week.

Kids might even have to worry about their conflicted parents bumping into each other at a school event and whether they'll be painfully cool.

It's "awesome" when separated parents can both show up for their child's first day of school and cooperate, says Deb Walushka-Longphee, a negotiator at Fairway Divorce Solutions in Victoria. If adults can't manage that, the parent who doesn't have the child that day is better off sharing the experience later on.

Same rule for parent teacher meetings. "If they can co-operate and the child sees they're co-operating, that's best for the child," she says. If not, go separately.

"It's in the best interest of the child to have involvement from both parents with schooling," Walushka-Longphee says. Both parents can watch their child in the school play but must respect the other parent's time with the child. At a special performance, that might mean bringing along a friend or grandparent if they can't sit amicably together.

Parents cannot dictate what happens in their co-parents' homes, but both need to be responsible for homework and projects, Walushka-Longphee says.

"We all know children function better with a homework routine, but it doesn't have to be exactly the same in both houses."

A comprehensive co-parenting plan that spells out who has the kids, and when, can save everybody stress, she says. That will allow parents to exchange calendars a month in advance and head off impending glitches.

"The old thinking is that whichever parent wants the child to have the item can pay for it," Walushka-Longphee says. But divorced parents have an opportunity to co-operate, with the typical result being sharing the expense on a ratio of their incomes yet being able to say no.

To read the full article click here

Now that the boots are back in the basement and the Smithbilt’s swan song has been sung, some Calgarians are finding themselves with a hearty Stampede hangover.

Picking up the pieces after the 10-day party can be daunting, and for some, the rodeo revelry could have a lasting impact.

Karen Stewart, president and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions, said her business is likely to boom in the coming weeks.

“Traditionally ... we always notice an increase in calls, quite significantly, after Stampede,” she said.

“There might be some (relationship) problems, then something happens during Stampede.

“Couple that with the tub girls and flirtatious atmosphere of the Stampede and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.”

Ron Foster, managing partner at Foster LLP, said in 40 years of practising family law, the weeks after Stampede have always been a busy time for him.

“It’s been this way for as long as I’ve been doing it,” he said.

“(Stampede) is just an environment that’s conducive to flirtation and inappropriate behaviour.”

For others, a Stampede-time fall off the chuckwagon brings booze back into their lives.

George McBride, manager of Alberta Health’s Adult Addiction Services, said a post-Stampede boost in those seeking help for alcohol addiction is common.

“Most years, what we have experienced is that in the 10 days of Stampede the number seeking assistance drops off,” he said.

McBride added those already enrolled return to their treatment programs after days of non-stop pressure to party.

“People take a holiday from their recovery,” he said.

And a good Stampede means a lot of work gets put off.

Paul Vickers, president of Penny Lane Entertainment, said many of the oilmen who partied at the Cowboys Tent probably have a lot of work to catch up on.

“I talked to a lot of oil and gas people, a lot of different businessmen, and they say, ‘You don’t get anything done during Stampede,’” he said.

Waistlines, too, are a likely casualty of an over-enjoyed Stampede.

If deep-fried food was your midway mistress, Richard Papp, of Golds Gym Eau Claire said working out will help you get back on track after the overindulgence.

“The gym is going to help offset the negative impacts of the Stampede,” he said, noting an extra 5,000 calories worth of mini doughnuts can be easily worked off.

No matter the fallout, in just 352 days it will start all over again, when the next Stampede kicks off on July 6, 2012.  

Click here for full article

Does the Calgary Stampede bring families together, or split them up?

A new report finds phone calls to divorce lawyers go up by about 30 per cent in the days following the Stampede.

Karen Stewart who the media has dubbed a divorce guru tells 660News the reason is simple:  too much alcohol mixed with too much eye candy leads to increased temptation.

"It's the one time of the year where we can really let loose," says Stewart.  "I think a lot of people spend the tough winter thinking, and looking forward to, letting it loose in Stampede.  The skirts are just getting higher and higher and the boots are getting lower and lower.  It's just a very flirtatious environment."

"What goes up after Stampede is the decision to divorce," adds Stewart. "So we're tracking stats that" (are) "based on statistics from the government.  But the phone calls go up after Stampede with regards to divorce."

Stewart says to ensure your spouse avoids making a "mistake," go with them to Stampede.

The report doesn't mention whether men or women are more likely to stray during the steamy days of Stampede.

Click here for full article

My wife and I will celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary this month and we are still best friends. But that isn’t the norm nowadays.

A few weeks ago we learned friends of ours who had been married for 32 years were heading to divorce court; he was having an affair with his secretary and his wife had no idea.

The divorce rate among boomers has jumped recently and that number is only expected to climb. Statistics from the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University show that despite the overall divorce rate in the U.S. dropping over the last 20 years, the divorce rate among people age 50 and over has doubled.

When you think we should be enjoying the best years of our lives, so many baby boomer marriages are falling apart. Look at the recent news of the break up between Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger. And who can forget the sudden split between Al and Tipper Gore after 40 years of marriage? What's going on here? Is it because the kids are grown and have left the nest? Have we grown tired of each other or is it a mid-life crisis?

To get some answers, I reached out to Karen Stewart, a divorce and relationship expert and founder and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions.

Boomer: What’s behind the trend of divorce rates dropping in every other age group except for boomers where it is rising?

Stewart: Baby boomers tend to be the group that has the economic livelihood and the economic feasibility to get divorced. What’s really interesting is that divorce rates will increase in both good and bad economic times. When there is a lot of money in marriage, divorce is a reasonably easy financial solution because when it comes to dividing the assets, there are enough for both parties. Marriages with not a lot of money tend to be more financially strained which can lead to stress and increase the risk of divorce. The baby boomer generation is hit most by those extremes.

Kids getting older and leaving the nest is another main driver of the increasing divorce.

Boomer: Do you think these trends are going to continue? Is the 30-year itch the new seven-year itch?

Stewart: I think the trends will continue in the age group of 40 – 65 year olds. As baby boomers get older I expect the rate to go down. We are looking at the attitudes of different generations; Generation Y seems to have an interesting sense of renewed excitement about the concept of marriage and the traditional family. Marriage is still in. With the recent wedding of Prince William and Princess Katherine we see the industry getting all stirred up again.

Boomer: Why are boomers looking for alternative options to the divorce process?

Stewart: Twenty years ago our laws for matrimonial division of property were very outdated and did not protect people getting divorced very well. States are getting slightly better with their laws, and in some states, like California the law splits property 50/50. The laws have sort of caught up a bit with the number of divorces.

Now, couples going through the process want to be smart and reasonable about it. Divorce will always be a tough, emotional journey, but now people are being more practical and pragmatic about how to bring resolution. Boomers are looking for alternatives to the standard 'hire two lawyers to fight it out'; people recognize the need to bring the marriage to an end in a less destructive way.

Boomer: What are some of the alternative measures to divorce besides going to court?

Stewart: Going to trial is probably your one extreme of the spectrum and happens when couples can't get along and their lawyers reach can’t agreement and then a judge makes the final decision. Working down the spectrum might be having two lawyers fight it out and come to an agreement without needing a trial or judge.

There are things like arbitration which is where a couple will hire a lawyer or maybe an ex judge to make final decisions. You also have collaborative law, which has been around for awhile, that involves each party hiring a lawyer to represent them, but the whole premise of the dispute resolution is that the attorneys cannot go to trial and represent them. If they breakdown in negotiations than the clients have to hire other lawyers.

You can have a mediation-type scenario where lawyers, financial experts or ex judges mediate the dispute. My company provides mediation for couples wanting a divorce and we have noticed an increase in clients representing themselves, they don't trust lawyers. However, self-represented litigants is causing huge havoc in the system and it will be interesting to see how this trend continues.

Boomer: What are some of the leading causes of boomers divorcing? Is infidelity a big problem?

Stewart: The one thing that I hear consistently, regardless of the specific catalyst, is lack of communication--that is by far the universal response. Infidelity is certainly a catalyst and often labeled as a reason; it plays a very large role in the breakdown or end of a marriage.

A really healthy marriage is hard to puncture, but one that is on somewhat-shady ground is very easy to puncture. It really gets back to the individuals and how they feel about infidelity based perhaps on their beliefs, value system and background. Infidelity is used as a catalyst reason for ending a marriage 50-70% of the time.

Boomer: Once a boomer couple decides to divorce, what can they do from the start to help preserve their wealth? Most boomers have worked their entire lives to be financially secure, how can they protect their assets?

Stewart: There are two endings with a divorce: emotional and business. And there are two main things that we have to make decisions about: our kids and our money.

In the large majority of cases, emotions play havoc with the decision-making process. Philosophically, we need to understand that divorce is a financial ending and we need to be pragmatic about it. The most important thing to do when it comes to money is to look at the assets and the values associated with them.

Once we can agree on what the assets are worth then we can look at how to divide them. Everything in divorce has a price tag and people must detach themselves emotionally from the assets. Women tend to be completely paranoid about being left to starve and become bag ladies. Men are typically worried about being taken to the cleaners. Our job is to come up with a solution that is going to make both individuals leave feeling comfortable and secure.  

Boomer: How can boomers deal and protect their older children when going through a divorce compared to teenagers or young children?

Stewart: When kids are younger mom and dad sit down with them and explain that ‘mommy and daddy love you, but we are not going to live together and everything is going to be all right.’

While older kids are more cynical and a little more in the know, they are just as much affected as younger kids--but in a different way. Parents need to be open and honest and on the same page on how to deliver the message to the older kids. The same rules apply: Never back stab or put down your ex. Always remember that your child is one half your ex and by putting down your ex you are basically telling kids half of them is not OK. Sometimes older kids hear too much or their parents share too much because they think they can handle it, they can’t. Be honest about your own feelings about what's happening to you without projecting or burdening your kids with any kind of decisions.

Boomer: Hollywood is setting a certain tone with divorce when it comes to high-profile cases. Do Hollywood couples decision to split up make divorce more appealing?

Stewart: What is happening in Hollywood is almost ‘sexfying’ divorce. Maria Shriver is the perfect example: the preppy girl who went off to school, married someone who is a little bit of a bad boy, but very successful. Arnold wasn’t all brawn, he also had brains. This is the fairy tale of your average baby boomer and now Maria has just found that her marriage has been basically a bit of a facade. I think we will see a bit of a movement to empower baby boomer women. I am worried that we might be creating a ‘victim sex appeal divorce baby boomer trend.’ I believe if we can get divorcing right we will actually see an increase in marriages.

Click here for more Fox Business News

Infidelity has been making headlines lateley with high-profile couples making news with their marital battles. Relationships and marriage are difficult at times, especially when infidelity issues arise.

Relationship expert Becky Shook-Wotzka sheds some light on the subject of divorce and trust and offers some tips on how couples can recover and regain trust after infidelity.

Trusting Yourself Again after Infidelity
1. Know yourself: Seek to understand the source of your emotions and actions.

2. Focus on self care: personal coaching, health enhancements, etc.

3. Surround yourself with a support group who can lift you up.

Trusting Future Parents after infidelity
1. Experience the journey in the present, not in an undetermined future.

2. Take the time to really understand what you want in a future relationship.

3. Remember the joys of love.

http://relationshipsbydesign.blogspot.com/

When a married couple owns a business together, splitting up gets extra tricky.

After two decades as the co-owner of a landscape materials yard in northern California, 57-year-old Debbie Hannan didn't just retire: She divorced her business partner. Though amicable, the split led to a drawn-out legal battle over the terms of a settlement. The divorce, begun in August 2007, took nearly a year to finally close.

More than 1 million husband-and-wife teams run businesses together, according to the National Federation of Independent Business, and as with most businesses, the recession has put an economic strain on the ventures. At the same time, marriages remain rocky: In spite of data that suggests that married couples postponed divorce for economic reasons during the recession, the divorce rate stayed basically flat from 2005 to 2008, at about 17 per 1,000 married women. And while no one tracks the number of business-owning couples who split, or the number of divorces that also result in the dissolution of a family-owned business, when a business-owning couple splits, the complications are more than Judge Toler can handle.

The risks -- and options -- become especially stark as a divorcing couple gets older, experts say. As retirement grows closer, any retirement savings takes on added importance; that pot of money is considered marital property, and once the divorce is final, so is the distribution of assets. For business partners, the best way forward after a divorce depends on the nature of the venture and industry sector, as well as an ability to get along, if only at the workplace.

Gregg Herman, a family law attorney based in Milwaukee, says a common approach is to let one partner buy out the other. There are many ways to do that -- all at once or over time, as a 50-50 split or in some other proportion -- but good accountants can help value the business, which is critical, he says. "But what's really important is to do this in a co-operative way, since the business is the goose that lays the golden egg and you don't want to kill it." That kind of transition becomes more difficult if the couple shared crucial roles in the business, such as day-to-day operations, or key points of contact with customers and suppliers -- the "vital organs" of a company that can't be so easily separated without hurting sales, he says. That's especially worrisome now, when access to capital is still tight, which can make it harder to bridge a lag in sales with credit.

If that can't be solved, the couple might consider dividing their business in two. Herman recently helped a pair of dentists who divorced after sharing an office for years. Since each had their own patients, they opted to split the practice down the middle, and continue to work together in the same office without any trouble.

Perhaps the riskiest approach is to continue running the business together even after the marriage ends. To keep the peace over the years to come, Otis Baskin, a consultant with the Chicago-based Family Business Consulting Group Inc., suggests setting up a board of directors to ensure key decisions are based on a business perspective, rather than a personal grudge. "You don't need million-dollar directors," he says. "You just need people with good business judgment who don't have a dog in the race." And, he notes, this works only if the couple has established a strong working relationship that's separate from a soured personal relationship.

When all else fails, most lawyers will advise selling the business and splitting the assets -- a risky proposition, since only about 30% of small businesses on the market sell, industry figures show. In the end, Hannan's ex-husband bought out her share of the landscaping yard for more than $500,000 and continues to run the business today. She was satisfied with that arrangement, she says, but remained frustrated by the drawn-out legal battle that seemed driven more by lawyers than by Hannan and her ex. In response, Hannan and her 36-year-old daughter, Becky Shook-Wotzka, launched the first U.S. outlet of Fairway Divorce Solutions, a Canadian franchise that offers independently negotiated divorce settlements through mediators, rather than lawyers, with an eye to financial planning. Based in Sacramento, they now have four employees and are on pace to hit 120 clients and more than $100,000 in revenue by the end of the year.

 

Remember: "Fail to plan, plan to fail." This wonderful saying hits the nail on the head when it comes to ensuring a smooth summer with the kids and the ex. There is no question that co-parenting adds a level of complexity and stress to trip planning, but if you take the time to map out the summer months in advance, the reward will be well worth it. The irony is that planning meticulously actually allows you to live more freely and spontaneously in the moment.

The first hurdle is to approach the subject with your ex and commit to putting together a summer schedule that works for the entire family. Family vacations, summer camps and other group activities need to be planned many months in advance, so get started now with the planning while summer is right around the corner. While you are planning this summer, commit to planning for next summer prior to the winter months so you are prepared in advance for next year.
Planning time separate from your ex

The best scenario is to set aside a minimum of two weeks per parent so they can have the children to vacation as they please. After you set these four weeks (two each) aside you can proceed to divide the rest of the summer up based on work, camps, summer school activities and other events.

It is very important that both parents create the schedule together and then inform the children on the rotation. Do not fall into the trap of consulting the children unless they are older. Kids of any age should not be choosing between spending time with parents. Once the times are set, each parent can then freely discuss with the kids where and how they want their vacation to come together.  
Planning time together with the ex

Sometimes, parents will decide to "share" the vacation and perhaps take the kids together. While this might be appropriate in the early years or when recently separated, it is not usually a good idea over the long term as it does send mixed messages. Children always fantasize about their parents reuniting and so creating healthy loving boundaries is in the long-term best interest of the children. Mom and Dad can be respectful and friendly but too much time together really prevents new exciting futures to unfold.  

Children are very flexible and will be empowered in almost every situation as long as the parents are positive, mutually supportive even when conflicted and do not allow their personal agendas or issues to impact the children. Keep negative news to yourself and share the good news about your ex.
Top tips for a successful summer vacation

   1. Plan as far in advance as you can to allow for booking holidays, time off and summer camps.
   2. Discuss the rotation in advance for the summer. Does each parent get one or two weeks of vacation with the children? Are you going to split the summer in half?
   3. Are you considering sharing vacation time? If so, what are the boundaries? Who is sleeping where for example?
   4. What about new relationships? Are they included in the vacation? Clearly this can be a very touchy topic, yet by setting ground rules in advance, you can save a ton of stress when the vacation arrives. There is no right or wrong here as it depends on so many variables, but either way, think it out and consider the children first.
   5. Who is going to pay for what? Is the higher earner going to contribute to the vacation time for the lower income parent? Sometimes a huge discrepancy between holidays can cause the children and parents stress.
   6. Ensure you have set out a calling schedule. How many times are the kids to call the parent at home? It is always better to have the traveling parent agree to have the children call home at a certain time. Every second day is often enough.
   7. Ensure the kids feel like they can take whatever belongings they want with them.
   8. Remember that for the first few years, having separate vacations feels a bit weird and hurtful for the children. Remain positive and always hold the other parent in high esteem regardless of what you may think.
   9. Create new traditions with your children.
  10. Do not forget travel insurance and letters of permission if you are traveling outside the state or country.
  11. Always ensure each parent has all contact information for where they are traveling.
  12. Set it out in writing so each parent has a record of what was agreed upon. Time does fade memories.

Click here for more articles from SheKnows.com

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt had an “emotional reunion” by phone last month. In Touch Weekly apparently has pictures of it because Brad and Jen are both talking on their cell phones on this week’s cover.

Also, according to the tab, Brad gave Jen a 24-karat gold necklace, which presumably happened at some other emotional reunion because, so far as I know, you can’t hand someone a gold necklace over the phone.

Brad also plans to buy Jen a “Ralph Lauren cashmere blanket and a Venini vase” for her new apartment. Brad sure is a nice guy! Except for all that business about dumping her for Angelina Jolie.

Brad now feels as if he’s “regained a cherished part of his life,” says the tab. Adds a supposed friend of Brad’s: “There are still feelings there.”

I find it fascinating (“fascinating” like one might find Teen Mom or a festering boil fascinating) that, almost six years after Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston divorced, the tabs are still running almost weekly stories asserting that they are about to be reunited at any given moment. It was only last year that In Touch exclaimed that Brad and Jen were “caught hugging and kissing.” (No word as to whether this happened while they were sitting in a tree.)

In the real world, or what passes for the real world in celebritydom, Brad has six kids with Angelina Jolie. I’m willing to stake my typing hands on the fact that Brad and Jen don’t have emotional reunions over their cell phones or any other medium of communication, that they were never caught kissing, that they don’t buy each other cashmere sweaters or gold necklaces, and that they have absolutely no plans, not even an inkling of a plan, to remarry and broadcast it on pay-per-view. (Though if they ever do do this, I hope they give me a little kickback for coming up with the idea—especially since I will need to buy fake hands.)

What interests me is why this pretty triptych continues to hold sway over the public’s imagination. I’m guessing this hyperfictional plotline still sells well or the tabs would have abandoned it by now. There was plenty of hot celebrity gossip this week: Blake Lively and her fake-or-not-fake nude photos; Justin Bieber and his girlfriend Selena Gomez’s underage PDA; and the continuing saga of Arnold/Maria/The Maid, to name a few scandals. But In Touch ignored it all to put this old chestnut on the cover. Jenbrangelina stories must be the tab-sales equivalent of a low risk investment, like a municipal bond fund.

I have a basic idea as to how the tabs get their “information,” which is always attributed to unnamed “insiders.” Years ago, a coworker and his girlfriend broke up. She then began dating a celebrity who also, coincidentally, was a cast member of Friends (no, it’s not Courteney Cox). This item made a bunch of gossip blogs, so when I mentioned it to a guy who happened to be a tabloid reporter, I didn’t feel I was revealing anything he didn’t already know. But then he began emailing me for more details. What had my coworker said? How was he feeling? How did his girlfriend meet the Friends star (no, it’s not Lisa Kudrow)?

I told him I didn’t know anything other than what had already been reported. In truth, I knew a bit more, but I certainly wasn’t going to tell him and, besides, he didn’t even have the decency to offer me a bribe! It was clear that he would have been happy if I’d just made something up, and then he would have attributed it to an “insider.”

But I’m more curious about the root of the eternal lure of the Branjengelina troika. What subconscious primordial force forever pulls readers into this hoary fairy tale? Perhaps there is something about the archetype that agitates deep animal instincts within the collective unconscious. I turned to an expert.

“On some level, everyone wants Angelina to pay because she invaded the sanctity of marriage,” says Karen Stewart, CEO and founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, a divorce mediation company. “We identify with Jen because she’s not perfect. And we all want the good guy to win, and the good guy hasn’t won yet, and the good guy is Jen. This play will end when Jen rides off into the sunset with a new man. We still see her as the dumped woman. How sick is that?”

Very sick, but please do go on.

“They are mirroring what is happening in society,” continues Stewart. “The lack of boundaries, the lack of closure, the lack of internal control and an addiction to drama—you see this in everything from politics, to finances, to the economy.”

Yikes, it’s like Branjengelina are the universe! Maybe, for the sake of the planet, they need to get back together.  

To read more click here

The divorce rate may be sky high and adultery as common as short skirts in summer, but even in an age when train-wreck breakups make headlines, news that former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child a decade ago and kept the matter concealed from his wife and other children is taking some divorce veterans by surprise.

“I don’t think I have had any cases where it’s been a concealment of a whole other life for 10 years,” said James Marks, a family law lawyer practising in Toronto. “It’s not that common.”

Mr. Schwarzenegger admitted this week he had a child with a member of his household staff who had worked for the family for 20 years, until her retirement this past January. Mr. Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, announced their separation earlier this month, but until now, the reason for the split wasn’t known.

Despite the circumstances, the case highlights the betrayal, lies and deceit that are at the root of most relationship breakdowns, said Karen Stewart, founder and chief executive officer of Fairway Divorce Solutions.

“It’s devastating to find out you’re dealing with something you didn’t know [about],” Ms. Stewart said.

But instead of focusing on salacious details, she said it’s more important to focus on how to recover from such damaging blows.

Acts of betrayal shatter the self-confidence of spouses and make it hard for them to trust themselves again, she said.

For many, getting over the relationship is nothing compared to regaining their sense of self and avoiding playing the victim. Ms. Stewart said Ms. Shriver now has the opportunity to do just that – and perhaps serve as a role model for others in the process.

“The journey of recovering is learning to trust yourself again,” Ms. Stewart said. “It’s not about the other party.”  

For full articles click here

Holidays have likely always included an element of stress, given that a degree of guilt and resentment seems to live just below the surface of every family — no matter how outwardly harmonious.

But those complexities are multiplied in families where parents have divorced and new spouses have been added to the mix, especially on Mother’s Day, said Karen Stewart, a divorce expert and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions.

Stewart acknowledged that every family is different, but added a hard-and-fast rule is to give priority to biological moms on Mother’s Day, regardless of whose day it is to have the kids.

“If Mother’s Day falls on dad’s weekend, then plans should be made long in advance,” she said.

“Fathers shouldn’t require the kids to make a special gesture toward their stepmom or girlfriend.”

However, Stewart said Mother’s Day is about celebrating all women who play a mother role, and stepmoms could feel alienated if they are left out of the equation altogether.

“There should be recognition of the stepmom on Mother’s Day, but how it’s done should be up to the kids,” Stewart said.

“It is a fine balance and one that needs to be handled properly. Respecting all parties is very important.

“The day is about teaching children about being thankful and having gratitude for the hard work of their caregivers.”   

by Lylah M. Alphonse, Shine Staff

"I've been both," Stewart adds. "And they are totally different. But you can embrace and have gratitude for both of them."

Stewart says that focus should be on keeping the stress levels low on Mother's Day—and that it's up to the adults in the family to do so. Having the step mom and the bio dad on the same page can go a long way toward making the day go smoothly.

Katz has noticed the same thing. During one of her recent stepparenting workshops, she says, "The women unanimously agreed that their husbands must step to the plate and teach their children what to do." And that includes celebrating the kids' biological mother as well.

Karen Stewart, founder and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions.

Karen Stewart, founder and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions.
"When children are very young—toddlers to 8 years old—their fathers will have to help them pick out a present for their biological mother," Katz advises. "I don't think it's the place for the stepmother to do this, just as I don't think it's the place of the biological mother to help their children buy a present for their stepmother. Keeping boundaries clear prevents lots of problems for children."

"I do believe that children need to recognize all of the mothers in their lives," Stewart says. "The tone is set by the parents, but the how-to is set by the kids."

So how can you make Mother's Day happier, even if it doesn't go the way you wish it could? The experts offer a few tips:

Click here for full article

Mother’s Day - A special day set aside to celebrate our mothers and grandmothers.  On the surface this seems easy enough – buy a card, some flowers and perhaps prepare dinner. It is also a fun day for the younger children to take a stab at preparing breakfast and serving it to mom in bed. The image is full of fun and laughter. But for blended families, this day can cause stress when trying to find the right balance between attention towards mom and stepmom.

Being a stepmom is not an easy job. Regardless of whether the children greet you with open arms or can barely look you in the eye, it is full of imbedded unpredictable challenges.  Except in the cases where the biological mom is no longer in the picture, the stepmom is always second fiddle. The job of being a stepmom is hard work and it often does not come with the same unconditional love and feedback that a biological mom receives.  Defining the role of stepmom is personal and needs to be communicated and defined between a couple so that when events like Mother’s Day, wedding, etc. come up, you have a blue print to guide you.

Recipe number one for success is that biological dad and stepmom must be on the same page. It is in the children’s best interest regardless of age to have respect for their parents and that does include the stepparent. The couple can set the guidelines but Dad sets the tone and his role is so important in achieving balance and harmony for the children.  If stepmom plays any kind of role in the children’s lives then she needs to be honoured on this day. If she is creating a home for the children, even older children, then Mother’s Day is a perfect day for them to thank her.  The gesture is important but “the how” should be left to the children so that they can find a way to acknowledge her that feels good to them. If a card is too personal then a flower, baking cookies or something fun like a funky pair of socks could work. If there is a lot of stress around this event, then get them to write cards to all the great moms they can think of and include stepmom. It is important to let them give in a way that works for them but giving should be non negotiable.

Biological Mom is forever and celebrating her hopefully comes easy for the children.  Because stepmom is married to Dad, and therefore can be perceived as a threat, she needs take a leadership role and encourage gratitude towards the biological mom.  The children will benefit greatly form this gesture.  Regardless of whose weekend it may be, ensuring that the children get to spend this day with their biological mother is a must.  It does not matter how you frame it, the children will feel horrible if they are not permitted to spend the day with their mother. This should be encouraged so that this day reminds the children of how important a parents role is, regardless of whether biological or otherwise.  On the other hand, biological mom needs to rise to the occasion as well. Few biological mothers have open arms for the stepmother of their children and yet digging deep to find gratitude is not only in the biological mothers best interest but also in the best interest of her children.

For more articles please click here

Click here to view the PDF of Fairway's feature in the Press Enterprise.

Click here to view a PDF of April's MORE MAGAZINE!

Don't get stuck in a decorating time-warp
Byline: LISA BRANDT

It's a ritual of spring: clearing out the clutter that accumulated over the long, dark months of winter. While most of us concentrate our efforts on closets, basements and places where dust bunnies gather, divorce expert Karen Stewart reminds us to also remove the items that create emotional clutter.

"Really take a look around your living space and be cognizant of how that's affecting your life," she says.

Belongings left over from previous relationships, especially those that have unhealthy ties to the past, should be kicked to the curb.
Stewart founded Fairway Divorce Solutions after enduring the painful tug-of-war of her own marital split. Her approach is to have financial experts, not lawyers, take control of the divorce file, because decisions about money and property can be resolved rather quickly.

Emotional issues, on the other hand, can take years to resolve and can stop you from moving forward -- especially if you're stuck in a decorating time-warp from where you were still in a couple.

Her advice: remove negative emotional triggers from your home by assessing the feeling you get from your decor. Photos and mementoes that keep you thinking about what was, instead of what is or what will be, need to be edited out of the next chapter of your life.

Stewart maintains that many people know intuitively when they're stuck and not moving on with their lives. But if you want to be really sure, ask a trusted friend. Let them tell you honestly if you're still talking about your ex all the time or if they feel you're still rooted in the past.
"Divorce is an event in your life; it doesn't define it," says Stewart. "The smoother and faster you can move through it, the better."

But, she cautions, "Not too fast, because you need to heal."

Look ahead. Get out the measuring tape and decide whether your ex-spouse's sewing room will accommodate the regulation- sized pool table that was always too extravagant when you were wed. Or perhaps the vacant space that used to be Manland would give you more living area with the bar torn out.

Some people in the throes of a distressing split mistake denying the past for moving ahead. Stewart believes in honouring the great years you had while acknowledging that the relationship is over. She says packing away a few special keepsakes may not be a bad thing.
"It all depends on the emotion that's attached. If [the stuff] all goes away with detachment and clear boundaries, then that's great. And keeping a few mementos is very different than somebody who's still got a photo of their ex hanging in an area where they spend a lot of time."

The bedroom is a great place to start fresh with new linens and a different colour scheme. And those family photos on the dresser and walls? Ripping them all down can upset your children. Stewart suggests letting the kids take their pick, to allow them to be a part of the evolution of their family.

"So create a little place in their room," Stewart says. "Let them have an area for photos and things that represent their entire life. It's an opportunity for them to engage in this process. Let them have reminders of your family unit AND photos of you and them without your ex. They'll be more understanding of your emotional spring cleaning process if they're involved in it."

Purging your belongings borrows some principals from the ancient Chinese system of feng shui, which relies on the belief that "stuff" has energy. The items you choose to live with determine what you attract and repel in your personal life, and that includes healing your heart and even meeting a new love.

"See what's in your home that's holding you back," says Stewart, "and let it go."  

Getting rid of emotional clutter

By LISA BRANDT

It’s a ritual of spring: clearing out the clutter that accumulated over the long, dark months of winter. While most of us concentrate our efforts on closets, basements and places where dust bunnies gather, divorce expert Karen Stewart reminds us to also remove the items that create emotional clutter.

“Really take a look around your living space and be cognizant of how that’s affecting your life,” she says.

Belongings left over from previous relationships, especially those that have unhealthy ties to the past, should be kicked to the curb.

Stewart founded Fairway Divorce Solutions after enduring the painful tug-of-war of her own marital split. Her approach is to have financial experts, not lawyers, take control of the divorce file, because decisions about money and property can be resolved rather quickly.

Emotional issues, on the other hand, can take years to resolve and can stop you from moving forward – especially if you’re stuck in a decorating time-warp from where you were still in a couple.
  
Her advice: remove negative emotional triggers from your home by assessing the feeling you get from your decor. Photos and mementoes that keep you thinking about what was, instead of what is or what will be, need to be edited out of the next chapter of your life.

Stewart maintains that many people know intuitively when they’re stuck and not moving on with their lives. But if you want to be really sure, ask a trusted friend. Let them tell you honestly if you’re still talking about your ex all the time or if they feel you’re still rooted in the past.

“Divorce is an event in your life; it doesn’t define it,” says Stewart. “The smoother and faster you can move through it, the better.”

But, she cautions, “Not too fast, because you need to heal.”

Look ahead. Get out the measuring tape and decide whether your ex-spouse’s sewing room will accommodate the regulation-sized pool table that was always too extravagant when you were wed. Or perhaps the vacant space that used to be Manland would give you more living area with the bar torn out.

Some people in the throes of a distressing split mistake denying the past for moving ahead. Stewart believes in honouring the great years you had while acknowledging that the relationship is over. She says packing away a few special keepsakes may not be a bad thing.

“It all depends on the emotion that’s attached. If [the stuff] all goes away with detachment and clear boundaries, then that’s great. And keeping a few mementos is very different than somebody who’s still got a photo of their ex hanging in an area where they spend a lot of time.”

The bedroom is a great place to start fresh with new linens and a different colour scheme. And those family photos on the dresser and walls? Ripping them all down can upset your children. Stewart suggests letting the kids take their pick, to allow them to be a part of the evolution of their family.

“So create a little place in their room,” Stewart says. “Let them have an area for photos and things that represent their entire life. It’s an opportunity for them to engage in this process. Let them have reminders of your family unit AND photos of you and them without your ex. They’ll be more understanding of your emotional spring cleaning process if they’re involved in it.”

Purging your belongings borrows some principals from the ancient Chinese system of feng shui, which relies on the belief that “stuff” has energy. The items you choose to live with determine what you attract and repel in your personal life, and that includes healing your heart and even meeting a new love.

“See what’s in your home that’s holding you back,” says Stewart, “and let it go.”

Home and Garden website
 

Lauren Serafin, has filed a complaint at law against her ex-fiance Robert Leighton, right, for allegedly breaching his promise to marry her. Serafin alleges Leighton had a one-night stand with a woman in Las Vegas during hisbachelor party just a month before their wedding date and is seeking damages of $63,000, in addition to further compensation for emotional suffering.

It was supposed to be a storybook wedding.

The flowers were ordered. The band and banquet hall were booked. The bridesmaids and flower girls had their dresses.

Love was in the air.

Then it all came crumbling down when Lauren Serafin says she discovered that her fiancé, Robert Leighton, had an alleged one-night stand with a woman during his bachelor party in Las Vegas just a month before the wedding date.

Now Serafin has filed a legal complaint against her ex-husband-to-be for breach of promise to marry and infliction of emotional distress in a case that will no doubt be a lesson to would-be philanderers that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

According to court documents, Serafin claims that Leighton and several of his male co-workers, friends and family members headed to Las Vegas about a month before the couple’s planned Aug. 21, 2010, wedding.

Serafin alleges it was there that her ex-fiancé met a woman named “Danielle” at a night club, where the two engaged in “amorous acts in public, including, but not limited to, kissing, dancing and other physical contact.”

Leighton and the woman then left the night club and went to his hotel room, where, the suit alleges, they engaged in sexual intercourse while Leighton’s pals were present in the adjoining room.

“[Leighton] had met Danielle less than twenty four hours prior to engaging in sexual intercourse with her,” Serafin alleges in her complaint at law filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County in Illinois this month.

Serafin is a labour lawyer at the Chicago law firm Hennessy & Roach. Leighton is also a lawyer and practises intellectual property law at the firm Sidley Austin.

Serafin and her lawyer, Enrico Mirabelli, did not respond to interview requests from the Star. Calls and emails to Leighton were not returned.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

Serafin says it wasn’t until 10 days after Leighton had returned home that she learned of her ex-fiancé’s alleged indiscretion when she discovered text messages on Leighton’s cellphone from Danielle suggesting that “something happened” in Las Vegas.

When confronted by Serafin, Leighton denied that anything happened between himself and Danielle, the suit claims, “seemingly believing that ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’.”

After further pressing by Serafin, however, Leighton allegedly admitted he knew the other woman and that they had “made out,” but denied having sexual intercourse with her. Leighton then told Serafin he had no intention of marrying her anymore, and moved out, according to court documents.

Leighton eventually admitted that he “hooked up” with Danielle in Las Vegas, the suit alleges, and blamed Serafin for his actions.

Serafin says she continues to suffer “severe emotional distress,” including depression and humiliation, brought on in part by having to break the news to all her family and friends that the wedding was being called off.

Serafin also says Leighton “knew or should have known the possibility of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease” to her. She does not claim to have contracted any STD.

She is now seeking nearly $63,000 in damages to recoup the costs of planning the wedding, including her dress and veil, flowers, invitations, dresses and gifts for her bridesmaids and a catering order with the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.

She is also asking the court for “other relief,” a legal term for more money to compensate her for emotional distress.

“What she’s trying to do here is not only get actual damages, but something for the pain and suffering her former partner allegedly caused her,” Linda Lea Viken, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, told the Star from her office in South Dakota. “Logically, that could be a doubling or tripling of the actual damages.”

Serafin and Leighton became engaged in July 2009 and were expecting 170 people to attend the wedding, according to Serafin’s claim.

Karen Stewart, president and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions, a Calgary-based company specializing in alternative divorce mediation, said she believes Serafin should not view herself as the victim and agree to split the cost of the wedding preparations with Leighton.

“In every single relationship that’s not totally right, there are yellow flags, but we tend to ignore them,” Stewart told the Star.

“She should be thanking her lucky stars. She could have married him. For $30,000, that’s a pretty cheap life lesson.”

For full article click here

KAREN SCHWARTZ  March 16, 2011

Actor Bruce Willis has done it. So has Britain's Prince Andrew and media mogul Arianna Huffington.

They've all vacationed with their ex-spouses and kids.

While such post-marital closeness is inconceivable to some divorced couples, others say it's a great way to save money and to foster good memories, for the children – and even the parents.

"If you get along with your ex it can be very easy to do," said Mike Geoffrion, 39, who has vacationed with his ex-wife, Janna, and kids, including a trip to Disneyland.

Geoffrion, who manages a bike store in Fort Collins, Colo., divorced in 2006 after six years of marriage but thinks the joint vacations have been nice for the kids as well as the adults. Supervising and entertaining children is less stressful with two parents, he said, and he enjoyed the adult interaction. "You get tired of talking to an 8-year-old over nice, expensive dinners," he said.

Vacationing together has also worked well for Meredith Morton, 39, an actress in Los Angeles, and her ex-husband, Shane Edelman. When they first divorced in 2004, they took vacations with their infant son, Ace, because they both wanted to enjoy his "firsts." Since then they have each remarried, yet continue to vacation en masse with their new spouses, Ace, and his three half-siblings.

Most recently, they rented a large house in Palm Springs, Calif., and spent three days relaxing by the pool, playing with the children and making fun of golfers.

"It wasn't just like we were just sharing rent. We went to be with them," Morton explained.

It helps that her husband, Scott Cutler, a music producer, gets along with Edelman. For one thing, Cutler likes to eat, and Edelman likes to cook.

"Die Hard" actor Willis has vacationed with his former wife, Demi Moore, their three daughters, and her current husband, Ashton Kutcher. "It's hard to understand, but we go on holidays together," he told Vanity Fair in a 2007 interview. "We still raise our kids together – we still have that bond."

Fran Walfish, a psychologist in Beverly Hills, Calif., and author of "The Self-Aware Parent," said divorced couples vacationing amicably with their kids "gets my complete endorsement."

But she cautioned, children of divorce often fantasize that their parents will reunite, and vacationing together might feed that. Parents need to be clear that the trip is a special event, like a Disney visit or a birthday trip, "and say, 'We really just wanted to both be with you.' "

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, both 51, have made a ski trip with their two daughters a nearly annual event since their divorce in 1996.

Huffington, 60, waited 12 years after her divorce to vacation with her ex-husband, former Republican Congressman Michael Huffington, and their teen daughters.

But the 2009 trip to Greece was so successful that she blogged: "I only hope that, for the sake of the over one million children a year whose parents get divorced, it's a journey more and more families take."

Warren Gardner, 24, of Vancouver, British Columbia, offers the child's perspective. He and his two younger sisters have vacationed with both their parents since their separation three years ago. They've taken several trips around British Columbia and Alberta, most recently to Calgary for Christmas and to mark his grandmother's 90th birthday.

"To be honest, vacations all together since they split are less stressful than when they were together," he said. "The mood is a lot lighter."

What advice do divorced travel veterans have for those who might consider giving it a try?

Geoffrion said it has only worked for him when neither he nor his ex-wife were in a serious relationship. And, he said, although he paid for the previous trips, he's at a point where he'd expect to split the expenses.

Karen Stewart, founder and chief executive of Fairway Divorce Solutions, a Calgary-based divorce mediation company with franchises throughout North America, recommends exes vacationing together negotiate the ground rules before the trip.

Differences in parenting style become even more apparent when couples live apart, says Stewart, author of the book, "How to Divorce with Dignity and Move on with Your Life." Pre-trip agreement needs to be reached about finances, chores and sleeping arrangements.

She recommends parents consider planning some separate time during the trip, though Geoffrion said he and his ex-wife tried to behave like a family and did activities only as a group. They even stayed in the same hotel room, though different beds.

Morton said the biggest factor for her when she's with Edelman is watching her behavior.

"When I want to be short or get irritated or whatever I can't because Ace is standing right there," she said.

"It's not like it's a huge sacrifice," she added. "Honestly, the gift that I give Ace by having us both in the same place" is worth it.  

It Happened in Vegas, But Didn't Stay There: Two Chicago Lawyers Once Engaged, Now Fighting in Court

Weeks before her planned wedding, Lauren Serafin says she learned her fiancé Robert Leighton likely had an illicit encounter at a bachelor party in Las Vegas.

Now the former couple may be headed to court after Serafin slapped her alleged philandering fiance with a complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Ill., for breach of promise to marry and other relief.

The bride and groom were close to tying the knot when Serafin alleges in the suit that she discovered text messages sent to her fiancé indicating "something happened" during his trip to Sin City.

After weeks of denial and numerous attempts to discretely move out of the couple's shared apartment, Robert Leighton confessed to "hooking up" with a woman named in the lawsuit as Danielle, according to court papers.

In the suit, posted on the legal news Web site On Point News, Serafin says the couple had a two-year relationship before Leighton proposed in July 2009. The following year, weeks before the "I dos," Leighton traveled to Las Vegas with family and friends for a bachelor party.

And, this is where things get murky. The complaint alleges Leighton and Danielle met "less than 24 hours prior to engaging in sexual intercourse."

The former fiancee claims that though she found text messages between Leighton and Danielle, her fiancé denied anything happened, apparently believing the mantra "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

In the following weeks, Leighton would allegedly admit he "made out" with the other woman, Danielle, before eventually disclosing the two "hooked up." Leighton would go on to blame Serafin for his indiscretion before informing the want to-be bride that he would not marry her, the court papers allege.

Since ending their engagement Serafin says she has suffered humiliation and depression and is seeking $62,814 as reimbursement for wedding preparations.

In a complaint to the court, filed by her attorney Enrico J. Mirabelli of Nadler, Pritikin, & Mirabelli, the jilted bride alleges breach of promise to marry and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Full Article Here

Achieving a Fair Outcome in Divorce

by Karen Stewart
BC Parent Magazine

Statistics tell us that divorce is not going away, but moving upwards of 40 percent. While this may be an unfortunate fact of life, many couples are now considering alternative and less destructive ways to resolve their disputes, recognizing that while their marriage may be over, there is no reason to destroy assets and co-parenting relationships at the same time. Although many couples are interested in mediation some are skeptical about its thoroughness and ability to achieve a fair outcome, especially in the more complicated cases. Plagued with common fears such as one partner hiding assets, being “taken to the cleaners,” using the kids as a bargaining chip, being left destitute, or having to pay too much in spousal support, etc., these couples turn back to the tradi- tional his lawyer/ her lawyer scenario. The irony is that in an attempt to take control, both parties give up control to a system that can be ruthless in its outcomes.

Looking back over the last number of decades, the laws have come a long way to protect the parties with
regards to parenting and matrimonial property. Much of the aggressive pit bull mentality of the past, which in many cases was necessary, is now outdated and results in unnecessarily high conflict and cost. In some instances, hiring a matrimonial litigator is prudent for protection and the achievement of what is rightly owed or due, but this as a first step is outdated.

Getting legal advice is prudent, and any person seeking a divorce that involves children and/or assets needs to understand his/her legal rights. However, understanding legal rights and resolving the issues can be done somewhat separately.

The judicial system is backlogged with divorce cases that can take years to get through, resulting in a huge loss of time and money for those going through the process. The regulators have concluded that things need to change, as status quo is clearly not working. A recent BC White Paper on the Family Relations Act Reform 2010 set out both the problems with the BC Family Relations Act and some proposed solutions. It speaks specifically to the requirement for mediation. The push is an obvious one for many reasons, but how exactly does one ensure that their outcome is fair when they do not have the pit bull fighting on their behalf in the courtroom?

Meditation has traditionally been considered for couples that were amicable and could therefore quite easily agree on decisions. While there are many different forms of mediation, the most common form is known as Interest Based Mediation and like the name suggests, tends to focus on the parties interests. Many mediators in the past have come from a psychology background therefore being well equipped to deal with the conflict between the parties as it arises. This type of professional can often help sort out parenting issues as well. Often lawyers will refer their clients to a mediator to deal with one specific issue and then return to the courtroom to battle out the rest, especially the money issues. With the movement towards alternative dispute resolution, many lawyers now carry the title of mediator and will perform this role for parties that they do not represent.

Lawyers who are mediators can bring legal knowledge to the table but are not allowed to provide advice to either party so the parties must still get that advice elsewhere. Given the recent movement towards mediation and an increased number of divorcing couples interested in alternatives, a new generation of mediators is entering the divorce field. The most recent involvement is from the financial professionals who see the benefit and need of significant financial acumen to ensure couples make smart decisions. The provincial Mediation and Alternative Dispute societies are a good place to start the search for a qualified mediator.

While the skill and background of the mediator is important, so too is their methodology. Traditional mediation puts the couple in a room together (with or without counsel) and the mediator facilitates the conversation to ensure that there is movement to resolution. This method works well for those who are amicable, and balanced in power and knowledge. It can, however, fail in those cases where there is conflict and an imbalance of power and knowledge. The other downside to the traditional mediation model is that the mediator is often not knowledgeable about the facts in the case, so they have no way of helping to determine if the outcome is fair, especially when it comes to money. However, in conjunction with traditional mediation, clients are usually getting some form of legal advice (either during or at the end) so their lawyer will advise them about the decisions. Nevertheless, parties have to be cautious as it is very easy to poke holes in the decisions. Be careful to ensure that the probability of a “better” outcome is
clearly defined along with the cost and time of achieving it.

There are other forms of mediation that are used. Some mediators use caucus mediation when things get heated up. The parties are separated into two rooms and the mediator caucuses back and forth between the two in order to facilitate discussion and decisions. Independently Negotiated Resolution is another model that is very new to the mediation world and is used primarily by those with a strong financial negotiation background. This model is credited with helping to ensure that emotions do not interfere with grounded decision making by following a very specific step-by-step model.

Regardless of what kind of mediation a couple may choose, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Ensuring that the mediator is well-trained, has an understanding of the law, is financially savvy, and understands the importance of a well thought out parenting plan, are the obvious factors you need to consider. But in addition, take the time to under- stand the methodology and time lines that they adhere to so that you can reasonably ascertain from the beginning what your divorce will cost both in time and money, and so that you can find a mediator who will have your best interests at heart, and whose work ethics are parallel to your own values.  

Karen Stewart started Fairway Divorce Solutions, which keeps divorce mediation out of the court system, making the process quicker, less expensive and, she says, more practical.

AvenueMagazine
By Jesse Semko

Experience: As an entrepreneur, Stewart has started more than half a dozen finance-based businesses, including an insurance company and a wealth advisory stock-management firm; she has her MBA and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst; in 2006, after her own bitter divorce took five years to settle and cost her $500,000 in legal bills, Stewart started Fairway Divorce Solutions, which keeps divorce mediation out of the court system, making the process quicker, less expensive and, she says, more practical; Fairway Divorce Solutions has 39 franchises, and counting, across North America; you can read her side of her own divorce story in her book, Clean Break: How to divorce with dignity and move on with your life; she still believes in love and marriage.

“Every minute of my divorce was hell and it just did not need to be that way. If I knew then what I was getting into, all of the nasty back and forth through the court system, I’m not sure I would have gone down that path. I would have at least considered a different strategy.”

“We are pain avoiders and pleasure seekers. People divorce when the pain of staying is more than the pain of leaving.”

“One of the most challenging things for anyone going through a divorce is dealing with their emotions. The best way for people who are divorcing to feel empowered is to take ownership of the ending. Unfortunately, many get caught up in the no-win blaming mode, which costs time and money.”

“You don’t have to be amicable to divorce — most couples aren’t — but the traditional system makes it even more difficult because it pits one person against the other, with both competing to get the upper hand.”

“You can move through divorce two ways. You can be proactive, or you can be a victim. If you are proactive, you reduce chaos, save most of the assets you have gathered and, most importantly, reduce the impact on your children.”

“It is normal to feel afraid of what might happen in the process of getting divorced. If you can understand the process and know where you are going, then you can feel more confident about the outcome. We use a unique step-by-step model that takes a couple through all of the decisions that need to be made. In this way, we create empowered decision makers who have much less fear and make better decisions.”

“Divorce comes down to two things: money and kids. If you deal with the money first and address the issues around this very sensitive topic, by the time you start deciding parenting issues, the waters have usually calmed and the kids won’t be used as pawns. Never deal with money and kids at the same time.”

“Parenting plans that split time with children based on percentages is limiting and not always practical. It is much better to focus on what works for all of the parties and put together a schedule that works for everyone. The best people to do that are the parents and certainly not the courts.”

“When you are evaluating assets, even costs that seem like they should be fixed can become quite fluid. There is a natural tendency to inflate what one party will get. There can be great disparity and argument with regard to, for example, house values. The reverse is true as well, if it is something that one person really wants, they’ll undervalue it. Those behaviours are not always intentional, but can result in great conflict, chaos and a prolonged resolution that costs time and money.”

“We have to stop thinking of divorce in the negative. Divorce does not mean failure. It isn’t bad; it just is.”

Full Article

VANCOUVER - In Britain, the first working day after the New Year's holiday is known among lawyers as D-Day, which has nothing to do with an invasion but everything to do with marital breakdown.

It's a time when there's a spike in the numbers of calls made by couples wanting to untie the knot.

"In England the first day after the holiday is notoriously busy," said Lana Shparberg, client manager of Vancouver's Fairway Divorce, a franchise company with offices across Canada.

"We don't see the same onslaught here, but there's definitely an increase in calls this time of the year," she said Wednesday.

"I took calls all through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was a bit shocking. People are supposed to be out shopping or celebrating, but some people can't get past the idea they must get a divorce and it's the only thing on their mind.

"Summer we see a drop-off in calls. It seems that July and August with young children out of school is a sacred time. Same with Christmas, but we get a lot of calls from people in November and December saying, 'I want you to call me in January because I don't want to rock the boat until after Christmas.'

"January is the time of year when people tend to make big decisions in their lives, "whether it's losing 20 pounds or getting a divorce," she said.

That being the case, Fairway Divorce is launching its own dedicated divorce day on Jan. 25, calling it the International Changing The Way Divorce Happens Day.

"It will be a three-hour seminar for persons contemplating divorce. We are primarily a mediation service. Divorce doesn't have to be long, painful or expensive," she said. Shparberg said the seminar will have legal experts, financial planners and people with expertise on mortgages and pensions.

"There will be lawyers to tell them their rights and responsibilities in a neutral way. Financial planning is also important for women whose male spouse has built the family assets," she added.

"It can be very scary for these women who are now going to be independent and they need to talk about how they will deal with such things as pensions and retirement.

"Couples going their separate ways need to restructure their assets and liabilities. If they have children they need to put an effective parenting plan in place and talk about the financial support of their children. And then there is the issue of spousal support -- it's the most contentious issue, by the way."

Visit the company's website, www.fairwaydivorce.com,for information on where the seminar will be held.

Participants will be charged a $10 attendance fee, with proceeds being donated to BC Children's Hospital.  

By TANYA ENBERG

If you’re struggling over what to give the booty call, the long-time girlfriend, the disgruntled bed-mate or the happy hubby of 20 years, we’ve got you covered with this snazzy list that could either save your relationship or finally help you get out of it!

Smug marrieds:

Christmas is a great time of year for reigniting the romantic sizzle. Sure, a sweater is OK, but picking out personal gifts will score big points.

If he’s a swing-happy golfer, consider a golf getaway for the spring. If she’s overworked and under-pampered, a weekend at a spa may be just what she needs. Of course if you haven’t overdone jewelry on every special occasion, she might go gaga over a necklace or bracelet. And, just to ensure you do it right, don’t forget the card!

The breakup:

If you’re divorcing, you may still be inclined to give gifts. Old habits die hard, but think carefully, warns Karen Stewart, president of Fairway Divorce Solutions.

“If the marriage is over, then perhaps a small token gift, but otherwise not appropriate. If you have kids, then ensure that your kids buy the other parent something. It is a good thing, as Martha Stewart would say, to teach your kids to give unselfishly.”

Booty calls and part-time lovers:

When it comes to casual shag mates or good friends with great benefits, it’s nice to show thanks for all the good times you’ve shared. There’s no must-do rule here, but a small thoughtful gesture won’t go unappreciated. A tin of cookies or bottle of booze ought to do the trick (and will help guarantee that your booty call picks up when you dial them later on!). Remember though, you want to show the lust, not the love.

Long-time daters:

Hovering over non-rock wearing dames is the question of “will he?” December is a popular month for proposals and, with Prince William’s recent engagement, you can bet more gals have caught a case of “I do” fever.

Before rushing out and buying some bling, figure out the budget and make a date together — or with her best friend — to sift through a site with extensive options.

Oh, and before getting down on one knee, you’ll want to be sure she’ll say yes.

The couples-counseling devotees:

It’s a bittersweet time of year. This couple has issues and lots of bickering under their belts. Yet it seems fair to park the problems for a day.

“You may want to consider a planned weekend away — booked for some time in the near future, or booked regular date nights” says Stewart. “Focus on things that will make him or her ‘feel.’ “

On flip side, if you’re looking to make an escape, nothing says it’s over like showing up with nothing.

Freshly dating:

You’re digging the new relationship but it’s delicate terrain. The wrong gift, and you could doom your union. Buy an emotionally charged present and you could send the wrong message.

“Guys should avoid giving jewelry, which always conveys emotional freight,” advises Lavalife dating expert Kim Hughes. “About $100 is a good guideline for those who’ve been dating three months or less. And never give anything that suggests a woman should be working out more. Let her buy her Lululemon stuff herself.”

Bitter with baggage:

Your friend has just been dumped, and while you could go out and tell the bartender to “keep ‘em coming,” how about getting creative instead?

sends out condom arrangements that look like artful bouquets (above). With names like The Prick, you can’t help but smile. Cocky Willy CEO Maria Silvano notes that “it will get (friends) laughing.” Plus, it keeps them stocked for the next relationship down the road.

It’s fun … for now:

You know this pair — they ooze chemistry and look like they just stepped out of a Calvin Klein ad. While they can’t wait to rip off one another’s clothes, the relationship has an expiration date.

Still, it’s the holidays and it would seem frugal not to do something. Since sex brought them together, sexy gifts are on the list: furry handcuffs, come-hither lingerie and edible paint should be under their trees.

Your "thoughts" alone can determine whether you and your children have a good or bad Holiday Season

The Holidays are a time for joy and gratitude, but for those in the process of divorce, the season can be very daunting. The good news is that you can make the most of your Holidays and have fun if you work on changing your perspective.

So much research has been done over the last number of years that have concluded that our thoughts shape our feelings, which shape our actions, which control the consequences; contrast this to our previous belief that our emotions shape our thoughts, which shape our outcomes--this would give us much less control over our happiness then we now know we have. So in essence, we can control our happiness by controlling our thoughts!

Certainly easier said than done, but there is no time like the Holidays to challenge your negative thought patterns. If you can control your negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts, your life will transform in front of you, and not just this Holiday Season. To get started with this new discipline you need to learn to be attuned to listening to your thoughts and stopping the negative ones immediately. Consider a few examples:

I am so tired--versus--I had full day and feel satisfied and now I need to rest to rejuvenate for an exciting tomorrow.

Our plane has been delayed due to a bad storm for a minimum of 24 hours and I am really upset and put out - versus Our plane has been delayed for 24 hours so now I get a chance to grab a few hours to do something just for myself like see this new city or read or just have some down time.

I do not know what I am going to do without my kids during the Holidays; I cannot bear the thought of them not being with me. They are going to suffer and so am I - versus - I know it is going to be different this year as I do not have my kids all the time, but this will give me an opportunity to do other things that I never have time for. Perhaps I will spend more time with friends or read that book I have wanted to read, or spend a day alone or at the spa. My children also have an opportunity to experience something different and they will have their other parent all to themselves and that will hopefully provide some bonding that they otherwise may not have when I am around.

These subtle differences will help to increase your happiness quotient during the Holidays, and how exciting to think you actually do have control over your thoughts and resulting emotions and actions.

In addition to replacing your negative thoughts with positive ones, it is essential to take the time now to plan in advance for the Holiday season. Fill your days up because it is easier to change your thought patterns when you are active/busy, and force yourself to find at least five things to be grateful for each day and either say them or write them down.

Be the best you can be, which includes thinking positively, being a good leader and putting the kids first; all of this will help to keep the Holidays peaceful and joyful.  

Franchise growth puts entrepreneur in top 100 list
 
By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald November 15, 2010
 
Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, has grown the company to 39 franchises and 18 offices.
 
Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, has grown the company to 39 franchises and 18 offices.
Photograph by: Lorraine Hjalte, Calgary Herald, Calgary Herald

CALGARY - Just four years ago, Karen Stewart had a vision to provide people with a better way to divorce.

Out of that vision blossomed her Fairway Divorce Solutions venture, which is an alternative to the traditional divorce system.

And recently, Stewart, the founder, chief executive and president of the company, was named in the 12th annual Profit magazine ranking of Canada's 100 top women entrepreneurs.

"I didn't start this with the intent of being small. When I decided to venture into this, I was fortunate because I had a very successful company in the city of Calgary," says Stewart.

"I had no desire to just have another successful company in the city of Calgary. I wanted to do something that was going to make a difference. Certainly internationally. The second I decided to do this and do it seriously, I wanted to go big.

"I really felt there was a huge need and it wasn't just limited to Calgary."

Stewart began with her first office here in the summer of 2006. Then she started franchising the idea in 2008.

Today, there are 39 franchises across North America with 18 offices open. The head office is in Calgary and has five employees plus contractors.

The Profit ranking is a composite score based on the size, growth rate and profitability of the businesses. Stewart placed 99th on this year's list.

She has a background in finance and owned a number of companies in the financial industry before starting this new venture. One was a stockbroking firm. She also had an insurance company.

In 2001, she went through a divorce and spent a fair amount on legal bills.

"Coming from the background of business, stocks and investment and raising capital, I was sort of a strategic thinker," she says. "It's all about getting the job done and when I got into the world of divorce, there was no strategy. It was just all over the map.

"Throwing different affidavits back and forth. Affidavits that are sworn in. Affidavits that are filled with tons of perception versus facts. I just found that the whole system and model was fundamentally flawed and just destroyed business, assets, kids, relationships.

"And as I was going through it myself, I ended up getting into it and spending tons of money and could see how it was impacting the rest of my life.

"And I thought there's got to be a better way. So in that thinking I started to model out what I thought a better way would look like."

In late 2005 and early 2006, Stewart started to do serious market research.

She created an alternative to the traditional divorce system that saves money, time, stress and protects the children.

The Fairway process offers a step-by-step process called "independently negotiated resolution," a strategic mediation model that empowers decision-making, a plan to control costs and a focus on the future with positive co-parenting and finances top of mind.

 

 

Lindsay Smythe and her soon-to-be ex-husband had been growing apart for years.

"We didn't share the same goals. We weren't going in the same direction," says the Calgary human resources professional.

Smythe, who requested we didn't publish her real name, found herself "home alone a lot" with their two children, while her husband continued to pursue his interests, seemingly unhindered by the compromises family life demands. She'd wanted out for some time.

"But working in the oil and gas industry, you never know if your company is going to be sold. Every time I thought I could break free, there was the fear about whether I could make it on my own," says the 40-something Smythe.

The recession compounded her fears and, sure enough, she was laid off in early 2009.

"There was that insecurity of 'Oh my goodness, how long am I going to be out of work now?' But this time I just went ahead, thinking that there was always going to be a reason I should stay (in the marriage). I needed to do it for myself, and for my kids."

Going through divorce is tough, doubly so in tough times, say experts who are witnessing the impact on divorcing couples as the economy see-saws between fragile recovery and the worst recession since the Great Depression.

"Economic downturns really make people re-evaluate their lives," says Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO of the Calgary Counselling Centre. "They get laid off and think, 'This is an opportunity to change my life.'  "A change as substantial as (the recession) we just had leaves many people thinking about what they want, what their goals are and how they're going to achieve them. Relationships and marriages are an important part of that."

Historically, divorce decreases in downturns, says Babins-Wagner, adding that we won't know the statistics for this recession for several years.

In fact, the divorce rate in Canada has steadily declined from a sharp spike in the late 1980s, when changes to the Divorce Act allowed couples to file after being separated for one year, instead of the previous three.

In 2008, Statistics Canada estimated that 38 per cent of married couples in Canada would divorce by their 30th wedding anniversary, according to a report on divorce by The Vanier Institute of the Family in November 2009.  In the U.S., the estimated figure is 44 per cent, down from a peak of 50 per cent in the 1980s when fully one in two marriages in that country ended in divorce.

However, Heather McGurk, a senior family lawyer with Foster-Richmond LLP, hasn't seen a decrease in the number of Calgarians seeking divorce. If anything, she's experienced an uptick in demand for her services and at any given time has between 30 and 60 active files.

"The most shocking aspect of this (economic downturn) is how the deflated housing market is dramatically affecting people," says McGurk.  One of the most difficult situations she's seeing is divorce involving a single-income household, with one parent supporting the other staying at home with the children.

"All of a sudden that single income has to support two households; it cannot support the house the family is currently living in, and the house may now be worth less than the outstanding mortgage on it," says McGurk.  "And what are these people to do? We as family lawyers don't have a quick fix for that."  People are stunned at how little equity they have and that is causing a lot of stress, she says.

Another common "divorce in recession" scenario: a couple who split up two or three years ago, when their home was valued (on paper) at, say, $1 million. They didn't settle their affairs then and their home is now worth less at $750,000.  "The value of property in Alberta when you divide it, is valued at the day you reach an agreement or the day you go to trial, not the day you separate.

"They're going, 'Wow, I just lost all of this money.' They haven't thought about the impact of dragging out separations and what that means to their bottom line. A lot of people say that's not fair, but that's the law in Alberta," she says.  One of the most heart-wrenching things she's witnessing is stay-at-home mothers or those who work part-time leaving Alberta after their marriages fail to return to their home provinces.

Some economic migrants, originally drawn by the now-deflated boom, want to move back to where they have family support, the cost of living is cheaper and they can find work.  "What ends up happening are dramatic issues around parenting the children, when one party needs to stay here for work and the other party needs to move back home. It's really sad."

Some divorces are becoming more acrimonious as people fight over shrinking resources.  "Ironically, the more people are losing, the more entrenched they get, which is a bit counter-intuitive," says McGurk.

"When you do the cost-benefit analysis of an acrimonious or litigious divorce, it's very rarely worthwhile to spend more money on legal fees to save what is already dwindling.  "Sometimes, it's OK to walk away and not win every fight."  Karen Stewart, CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions, opened her alternative divorce mediation service Calgary in 2006 after going through the emotional and financial wringer of the traditional divorce system.

Since then she's spun off 40 franchises in North America, 12 of which are in the U.S.  Stewart has a broad perspective of what's happening across North America vis-a-vis recession and divorce.  Much like Smythe's situation, when the recession first hit, people were slow to initiate divorce, she says.

"It was, 'Omigosh, we don't have the money to divorce.' Then what happens is emotion overrides that. You get to a point where it's, 'Do I stay in a marriage because I can't afford to leave and end up being an emotional wreck?'

"What we saw then was a pick up -- people saying, 'No, we're getting divorced."  Stewart's also noticed a bigger gap between the decision to get divorced and the final filing of the divorce papers.

"[Couples are] prolonging the finalization of it," she says, as they wait to see how things go with work, the job market, the housing market and their investments.

"It's such a moving target they're afraid to put a stake in the ground. Some economists say we are going into a deeper recession and others are more optimistic, so where the heck are we?"

Tough economic times have also forced some divorcing couples to continue living together in the same house because they can't afford to physically split up.

"It doesn't work," Stewart says bluntly. "Ninety-nine per cent of the population can't do it. You can't get on with your life and the kids are confused," Stewart says.  If people are cash-strapped, she suggests they rent another place, and "rotate in and out" of the family home.

"Just make sure you have your own bedrooms. The last thing you want to is to have your ex sleeping in the bed you were in last week." Smythe and her husband continued to live together until this spring and kept things as civil as possible for their children's sake.

Unemployed for four months, Smythe found contract work, and with the support of her network and a "great banker," she was able to make it through until she landed a permanent job six weeks ago.

"Not knowing what to expect is the worst. But once I moved forward, once the process began, it became easy. I'll never look back," says Smythe, whose divorce will be finalized in December.   She wanted to hire a lawyer and go through court to protect her investments, but her husband felt they couldn't afford the fees.  Instead the couple sought mediation through Fairway Divorce Solutions.

"Our mediator was great," says Smythe, who admits to not feeling entirely comfortable with the child care arrangements they settled on.

But, in the end, she says, "I decided to pick and chose my battles."

Kim Cuttormson - September 12, 2010

Husbands deal with money issues in most marriages

As she faced the end of her 22-year marriage, Lisa also had to come to terms with the fact that she knew almost nothing about her family's financial situation.

Mortgage, investments, bills -- dealing with the money during their decades-long relationship had been left to her husband, who works in the financial services industry.

"I entrusted everything to him," said Lisa, whose divorce isn't finalized and didn't want her last name used. "I never questioned anything. I was totally in the dark about that.

"When you're going through the emotional trauma of divorce, the last thing you need to focus on is all of that."

Lisa, a 49-year-old who stayed home to raise two children, said trying to get up to speed on monthly bills and make long-term financial decisions was overwhelming.

But for couples splitting up, it's necessary for both partners to have a clear picture of assets and debts, and an understanding of what dividing those up really means, says Sharon Numerow, president of Alberta Divorce Finances Ltd.

"In 90 per cent of the couples, one person -- and 80 per cent of the time it's the women -- aren't involved in the family finances," Numerow said, adding that she sees that imbalance in couples of all ages. "When you're married, everyone has roles.

"Unfortunately, when you lose your spouse or go through a divorce, the first issue is having no idea what the family assets or liabilities are comprised of.

"And once they've found out, they don't understand most of it."

Whether a spouse ends up with the house or half a pension or a portion of the investment portfolio, each choice has long-term financial implications, she added.

"It's not a very good time to be making major financial decisions and unfortunately that's what they have to do," Numerow said.

Karen Stewart, who founded Fairway Divorce after spending an estimated $500,000 and four years fighting her own ex-husband, says using a negotiator to deal with each spouse means emotions are less likely to get in the way.

The No. 1 pitfall Stewart sees is that people look to the divorce process as the way to get revenge. "People look to the system to slap their ex-spouse in the face," Stewart said. "I hear it all the time: 'I just want someone to tell him or her he or she was wrong.'

"Well, guess what? That's not going to happen."

Fairway starts with the money, asking the parties to agree on a list of assets and their value, before arguing about who gets what so that the assets can be divided according to financial, not emotional, worth.

"If I'm going to get the house, it's going to have a much lower value than if my ex gets the house," Stewart said.

If the parties can't agree on the value of an asset, the party who values it more gets it, she added.

"And when you use that tactic, it's amazing what happens," Stewart said. "If you really think the house is (worth) $1.5 million, then guess what, you got it for that."

Numerow said the emotional connection of the house or family cabin often outweighs financial common sense.

"You can go through the financial sense of it all and some will still say, 'I've got to keep the house,' " she said.

Her advice: "If you're going to make an emotional decision, make sure it's a decision you can get out of."

Lisa understands that, but says the home is her sanctuary, especially with her youngest still in high school.

Numerow, who works with clients individually or together, often referred to her by lawyers, said people going through a divorce need to understand every choice has a different impact.

"We look at options with them and help them understand the short-term and long-term implications of every decision that has to be made," she said, including tax implications.

Clients learn that "$100,000 in RRSPs versus cash versus the house versus a rental property -- they're not all the same."

Other things those about to be single need to consider, Numerow said, include the cost of daily living and support payments.

"If you take an $80,000 salary, even divided by two, that's a struggle for both of you," she said. "There's no way people can translate that if they don't understand the day-to-day cost of living.

"It doesn't matter how little you have or how much you have, people are all as panicked about the future of their financial situation."

The best thing couples can do is to financially educate themselves, Numerow believes.

Even for those still happily together, a fundamental grasp of the financial picture is a must for both, she said, even if it's simply one updating the other every six months.

By: Fiona Anderson - Vancouver Sun

Entrepreneur's company helps couples reach independently negotiated resolutions rather than face off in court

 
Earlier this month, the B.C. government released its white paper on Family Relations Act reform, which included plans to steer divorce away from the courts.
Karen Stewart couldn't agree more with that approach. She figures she spent $500,000 and four years of her life fighting her ex-husband by hiring lawyers, filing countless affidavits and fighting constant battles before a judge that ended up depleting the money that was left to divvy up.

"It was insane, it was absolutely a gong show," Stewart said. "There was no strategy,"

"And quite frankly, the winners were the lawyers. And I'm not anti-lawyer, but it's just the fact of the matter. The losers were my kids, my assets, my business, my ex [and] myself."

Stewart divorced right after her third child was born, but divorce is now growing more common among the older crowd, whose children have already left home or are close to doing so. Stewart says that according to Statistics Canada, while overall divorce rates are on the decline in Canada, baby boomers have seen an increase of more than 40 per cent since 1997. With later-in-life divorce, preserving the assets, and not blowing a wad on the divorce, is a must.

"When you're 50 years old, or 53 or 55, you don't have another 30 years in the workforce [to rebuild your assets]," Stewart said.
For some, who gave up their careers to stay at home with the children, getting back into the workforce is not even an option at age 50, she said.

So Stewart created Fairway Divorce in 2006 to help couples reach an independently negotiated resolution that costs less than a full-court press and takes less time. Fairway now has 40 franchises across Canada and the United States, with three in British Columbia.

Fairway uses negotiators with financial backgrounds who take the spouses and their lawyers through a 10-step process. While the same negotiator works with both sides, he or she deals with the parties separately, so that emotions are less likely to get in the way, Stewart said.

And it's emotions that tend to cloud the real issues in a divorce: how to divide assets, the level of support payments and how to make sure the children are looked after.
The No. 1 pitfall Stewart sees is that people look to the divorce process as the way to get revenge.

"People look to the system to slap their ex-spouse in the face," Stewart said. "I hear it all the time: 'I just want someone to tell him or her he or she was wrong.'
"Well guess what? That's not going to happen," she said.

Fairway starts with the money, asking the parties to agree on a list of assets and their value, before arguing about who gets what. That way the assets can be divided according to financial value, not emotional value.

"Because as soon as something comes onto my side of the equation I'm going to reduce the value," Stewart said.
"If I'm going to get the house it's going to have a much lower value than if my ex gets the house.
"So you're removing as much of the emotional decision-making, and then you're making decisions about what makes sense financially."
If the parties can't agree on the value an asset, the party who values it more gets it, she said.

"And when you use that tactic, it's amazing what happens," she said. "If you really think the house is [worth] $1.5 million then guess what, you got it for that."
But it's not just a matter of splitting the value of the assets 50-50. The parties also need to take into consideration what will happen to those assets over time.

For example, if the wife gets the house worth $500,000 and the husband takes junior oil and gas stocks of the same value, four years later his portfolio may be worth $5 million if times are booming, but her house may be only worth $750,000.

"She feels cheated," Stewart said. "And the opposite can happen: You go into a bust economy and his $500,000 is worth nothing."
So varying levels of risk and tolerance for risk have to be considered as well.

"Part of the measure of a good outcome is, is it going to stand the test of time?" she said.
The key is recognizing the importance of the economics of divorce, which many people don't because divorce is very emotional, Stewart said.

It might be easier "if people could realize if you want revenge, then the best revenge is get through this as fast as you can, get on with your life, get sexy, get appealing," Stewart said. "That's revenge."

By Angela Self - Globe & Mail

Karen Stewart knows first-hand how taxing divorce can be – hers took more than four years to finalize and left her with a $500,000 legal bill.

Ms. Stewart, a certified divorce financial planner, knows how exhausting, emotional and incredibly expensive it can be when separating from a partner. As founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, she urges clients to explore options that will leave them sitting in the best financial position possible after the dust has settled.

According to Ms. Stewart, when divorce is on the table, many couples automatically head to their respective lawyers, a route that their family and friends have gone in the past. However, seeking alternatives to the traditional methods could be a more cost-effective option.

One alternative is seeking mediation through an organization like Fairway Divorce. A free consultation will provide you with a fixed rate for services and a greater understanding of the process and proceedings attached to divorce.

The goal of mediation is to have one mediator conversing with each partner individually to get each other on the same page as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Of course, a mediator’s process and costs should be compared to the process and rates of a lawyer or any other alternatives. Seeking a referral is always the best way to find a lawyer, but if you’d prefer to seek out a lawyer yourself, click here to find a divorce/separation lawyer in your area. Equipping yourself with a list of questions to ask your lawyer during your first consultation will help you to determine a more realistic time and cost estimate. Ms. Stewart also recommends taking a friend or an impartial family member to each consultation, as too many people are caught up in the emotional element of their divorce, leading them to forget to ask the tough questions or share the important details that could save thousands of dollars.

Locating a professional who can help you navigate your new financial picture as early as possible is also important. Adjusting to less disposable income, the increased costs of running a household solo, and figuring out how to best restructure common investments can be overwhelming. A consultation with a financial planner can help you to get a handle on the financial impact of your upcoming divorce. Running the numbers on your divorce may actually take the emotion out of the equation, instilling logic and the urgency needed to get your divorce wrapped up as quickly and painlessly as possible.

If you’re contemplating divorce, or know someone in the early stages of separation, take the time to ensure you’re going the best route for the long run. Regardless of the route you ultimately take to finalize your divorce, you’ve worked hard together to build your net worth, so you should work hard to preserve as much of it as possible.  

Non-resident fathers and the time they spend with their kids "during the last year" as reported by mothers:

By Anne Godlasky, USA TODAY

Half of all U.S. children won't live with their father for part of their childhood. But just because "non-resident" dads don't live with their kids doesn't mean they're not involved with them.
"There are fathers that are very involved. There are some that are not. We have this image of the non-resident dad, and for some, that's the deadbeat dad," says Valarie King, a sociologist and demographer at Pennsylvania State University who just completed work on a five-year grant studying non-resident fathers.

Decades ago, non-resident fathers were largely divorced, but King and other researchers say many non-resident dads today were in a non-marital relationship that didn't last. Divorced fathers have been shown to be more involved, on average, than those who were never married to the child's mother, King says.

Such research findings (some yet unpublished) — along with changing attitudes and custody laws — are creating a new picture of today's non-resident dads.

"People don't realize how much things have changed, but if we look at the numbers, we see big increases in fathers' contact with children and big increases in fathers' payment of child support," says Paul Amato, also a Penn State sociologist and demographer.

And, just as fathers in two-parent families are more involved than a generation ago, "we're seeing a parallel trend among non-resident fathers," he says.

Research has shown that the presence of a father in the household has a positive influence on child well-being. But a study King co-wrote that appeared last month in the Journal of Family Issues found that the quality of the relationship may be more important: Adolescents who are close to their non-resident dad report higher self-esteem, less delinquency and fewer depressive symptoms than those who live with a father but aren't close.

"The point isn't what fathers do; it's whether the kid thinks or believes the father cares about them," says Philip Cowan, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California-Berkeley.

Some dads aren't present

Research co-written by Amato and published last year in the journal Family Relations reviewed changes in non-resident father-child contact over threedecades. The study, based on four national surveys using reports from 5,244 mothers of children ages 6-12, found significant increases in contact. In 1976, 18% of non-resident fathers saw kids at least weekly. By 2002, it grew to 31%. The percentage of dads who had no contact declined from 37% in 1976 to 29% in 2002.

But the findings weren't all positive. While the level of contact increased, moms reported that the majority of non-resident dads in any of the four groups didn't see their kids every week; 29% of kids didn't see their non-resident fathers at all in 2002.

Divorced father Armin Brott of Oakland says many fathers struggle with "not feeling like you matter. You can end up feeling completely useless," says Brott, founder of the website MrDad.com and author of The Single Father: A Dad's Guide to Parenting Without a Partner.

But research on the importance of dads may give these fathers a new feeling of empowerment, says Karen Stewart of Calgary, Canada, author of the 2008 divorce book Clean Break.

"I think men are saying 'Enough is enough. I'm not just here to pay out money. I love my children as much as their mom does and I recognize that I am as important in their lives as their mom is,' " she says.

Among the highly involved dads, children tended to be older at the breakup, and the parents were more likely to have been married. The mothers were older and better-educated, and fathers were more likely to pay child support. Fathers also lived closer to their children in the first year after the split and in future years.

But staying involved is often fraught with difficulties, experts say. The former partners, whether formerly married or not, have to coexist as parents; physical distance spawns emotional distance. Schools and other institutions still want to define a primary parent and a parent with visitation rights, even if the parents claim equal footing. However, changes in custody laws, including joint physical custody and parenting plans required by many states, are making it somewhat easier for dads today.

Texting and calling

Technology also can play a role. Brad Monistere, 39, a sales rep from Hammond, La., texts his 15-year-old son and calls his 8- and 6-year-old sons at home each night. Monistere, married for 15 years and divorced four years ago, remarried in April and has a 17-year-old stepdaughter. His sons live a few miles away.

"It's my responsibility to be involved in their lives daily — to know what's going on with them. They understand I'm there, even though I'm not," he says. "I am available to them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I am their father and I will take care of them."

Cowan says the "best predictor of whether a father is going to be involved with his kids is his relationship with the mom. "They don't have to love each other or like each other, but they do need to co-parent and collaborate."

Others agree; the more time non-resident fathers spend with their kids, the better the relationship between the parents, finds a study co-authored by Marcia Carlson, associate professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was presented to the Population Association of America in April.

Jim Lapan, 45, of Seattle says he and his ex-wife, married for 13 years and divorced for three, have "an excellent parenting partnership." He says they share custody equally: Their 11-year-old son spends weeknights with one and weekends with the other, alternating each month.

"We try to meet once a month to discuss the schedule," he says. "If discipline is being enforced, we support each other's decisions pretty consistently."

Child and family therapist Randell Turner, 53, of Red Lion, Pa., says the relationship he has today with his now-adult daughters was made possible because of his ex-wife. "She encouraged that relationship," he says. "She never got between it."

But, Turner says, his involvement with his girls evolved after his 1983 divorce, when his ex-wife moved with his daughters, then 2½ and 4, to be closer to family in Wausau, Wis.

"I didn't really grasp what was going to happen when my children moved so far away," he says. "I thought it was best for them to be around her family and grandparents and cousins, which we didn't have here."

Because they were so young, phone chats were difficult, and because of travel costs, he saw them only once or twice a year for a couple of weeks a visit.

"I realized if I didn't change what I was doing with my children, I was going to lose the relationship with them," he says.

He searched for ideas and found suggestions in a book, including sending his ex-wife large envelopes with prepaid postage up to 5 pounds, to send him the girls' school papers and artwork she wasn't going to keep. He says it gave him things to talk about with them on the phone.

"I began to get to know them and they began to know me better, and conversations began to become easier and more frequent," he says.

Geographical distance is what Michael Clausen, 32, of Metairie, La., says has kept him from closer contact with his two daughters, who live with their respective mothers about an hour away.

"What really stops me is trying to juggle my time between starting my business to make money to take care of my family and being with my family," says Clausen, a self-employed painter.

He says he and the mother of his older daughter, 9, lived together 2½ years.

He's now engaged to the mother of his younger daughter, almost 4.

Social science research has measured fathers' involvement by the amount of face time they get; researchers say their methods haven't kept up with technology — they haven't yet determined how to measure cellphone contact, for example.

Amato says other studies have shown that fathers who don't see their children very often generally don't contact them in other ways either. Fathers who see their children weekly are the most likely to talk with them frequently on the phone, he says.

Brian Evans, 44, of Raytown, Mo., says he and his 18-year-old daughter, Anitra, send text messages daily; they live in different cities about 20 minutes apart.

"Recently we created this little code where we may not have time to say much to each other — it's dot, dot, dot, exclamation point," he says. "We just text each other — which means 'I love you and don't you ever forget it.' "  

Lisa McLeod

We all know them; you might even be one of them. They’re the bitter divorced people who five years later are still seething with anger at their ex-spouse.

The question is, what caused the anger? The marriage, or the way they divorced?

It’s ironic; people often divorce in the hopes of creating a better life. Yet many emerge from the process bitter, broken and broke. Instead of reducing drama and angst, they just create more. The only thing they wind up with less of is money.

I’m not going to speculate as to why people divorce. What bothers me is the way they divorce.I’ve seen couple after couple go into a divorce saying it was going to be “friendly.” Yet fighting over money and kids inflames every negative emotion they ever had about their spouse, and within weeks they’re spewing venom and vitriol.

Otherwise kind and normal people find themselves hurling hurtful words and actions that create such bad feelings the residual effects last for years. (If you’ve ever been to a graduation or wedding for a child of divorce you know exactly what I’m talking about. The parents may have divorced a decade ago, but the tension is still simmering.)

The traditional divorce process brings out the worst in everyone. Both parties typically hire an attorney and because they’re both scared and angry, they instruct their attorneys to salvage what they can from the marriage, be it a home, boat, 401(k) or custody of the children.

It’s almost like people going through a divorce have a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. Unfortunately, lawyers make more money by poking the devil.
In the traditional divorce process, there’s no one assigned to call upon the better angels.
No one to ask, “What effect is it going to have on your children, and your relationship with your children, if you fight over every nickel and your kids wind up spending every other weekend in a crummy apartment with a person who hates you?”

Enter Karen Stewart, the founder & CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. and the author of “Clean Break: How to Divorce With Dignity and Move On With your Life.”
Stewart was motivated to create an alternative divorce process after her own divorce became so contentious that she wound up spending half a million in legal fees and destroying the ability to co-parent with her now former spouse.

The Fairway Divorce process — www.FairwayDivorce.com — “is about saving your assets, not destroying them.” The step-by-step process uses “Independently Negotiated Solution, a paradigm shifting way to achieve a win-win outcome in all areas of divorce.”

Stewart says, “One of the biggest fallacies of divorce is that people think I need to take control, so they talk to family and friends, and they think the way to take control is to hire a lawyer.” However, she says, “People don’t realize that by hiring a lawyer, you are on a train wreck that you can’t get off.”

I know that there are plenty of nice attorneys out there; in fact, I come from a family of them. The problem in a divorce is that a win for the lawyers isn’t always a win for the couple, and it’s almost never a win for their kids.

Divorce is hard. But anger and venom only make it worse.

Don’t listen to the devil, he’ll only put you on the path to, well, you know.

Snellville resident Lisa Earle McLeod is a keynote speaker, consultant, and the best-selling author of “The Triangle of Truth.”   

Hell. In a word, that’s how Karen Stewart describes her divorce, which was sealed in 2004. The breakup dragged out over more than four years, exposing the couple’s three kids to the ugliness of the court system and costing Stewart upward of $500,000 in legal fees. What’s more, it created an irreparable rift between two people who still had to raise kids together.

The experience led Stewart, a serial entrepreneur in the financial-services industry, to question whether all the pain, suffering and expense had been truly necessary—and whether others were as frustrated with the traditional system as she was. “I started to wonder, ‘Am I alone here?’” she says. “Am I the only idiot who just dropped a fortune on legal bills?” She hired a market-research company to find out, and its report strongly confirmed her suspicions. In 2006, Stewart launched Calgary-based Fairway Divorce Solutions, with the intent of giving couples in Canada and the U.S. access to a faster, cheaper and less adversarial way to split up.

Stewart began franchising her model in 2008. She has sold 20 franchises in Canada and seven in the U.S., and expects to sell another 40 by the end of 2010. With plans to move into the U.K., Australia and Mexico in 2011, Stewart’s ultimate goal is to replace the traditional system and transform the industry “like Starbucks did for coffee shops.” With an innovative, potentially paradigm-shifting service that fills a burning need in the market and exploits consumers’ growing compulsion to seek alternatives to traditional ways of doing things, her goal just may be in reach.

The traditional system for getting a divorce is designed for conflict, says Stewart, as lawyers fight to get their clients the best deal: “There is almost always a tug of war, known as ‘position bargaining,’ over money or the kids.” And, she says, the process can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars—more, if the situation is complex. What’s worse, the decisions that create the final outcome may be coloured by emotions and financial pressures, which can result in a settlement that isn’t ideal for the divorcees or their children.

Founded on cooperation rather than confrontation, says Stewart, Fairway’s model is different. A couple engages Fairway together, then each spouse works separately with the same Fairway advisor through a well-defined, step-by-step process to negotiate an agreement. The advisor does not represent either party but helps the couple find a middle-ground position that’s acceptable to both; once it’s agreed upon, they move on to the next issue. The point is not for either party to win; rather, says Stewart, “It’s designed to get people to a resolution that’s fair.”

Fairway markets its service as being quick, often wrapping up the process within 120 days of receiving a couple’s financial documents. “We move people through the process quickly because we’re in complete control,” says Stewart. “There are no interruptions, no waiting for trial dates and lawyers.”

As for costs, couples pay a flat fee based on the complexity of their financial situation, emotional issues and whether they have kids. Stewart says Fairway is “way cheaper” than the traditional system. (Fairway clients must still engage an attorney to look over and paper the deal.)

The foundation for Fairway’s success is built in part on consumers’ increasing willingness to reject conventional models in favour of time-saving, cost-cutting and stress-relieving alternatives, an ability supported by the information democracy known as the Internet. “Consumers are more empowered than I’ve ever seen them, and they’re more inclined to look at all their different choices,” notes Janet Lazaris, a consumer-trends expert and managing director of Toronto-based market-research firm Vision Critical.

Still, Fairway isn’t the only alternative to the traditional method of getting a divorce. There are mediators, collaborative lawyers and even do-it-yourself kits. The burgeoning alternative-divorce industry is in direct response to a real need in the marketplace, says Brenda Cossman, a professor in the University of Toronto’s faculty of law. “We definitely need to find new ways to help people through the process,” she says. “The full retainer model isn’t accessible to everybody. The cost of representation can feel astronomical to most Canadians. It’s crazy how much it can cost.”

But in a rising sea of divorce options, Fairway must work doubly hard to inform the public about its services. It does so by investing heavily in marketing and advertising. It engaged public-relations firms in Canada and the U.S., as well as a branding company that, among other things, coordinates a marketing blast each time Fairway enters a new city. Fairway is also using Twitter, a blog and other online social media. “Our goal is to be top of mind,” says Stewart.

The company hasn’t had to work quite as hard to attract franchisees. To be awarded a Fairway location, you must have a legal or financial background, strong negotiating skills and be at least 35 years old. (“I look for people with a certain level of wisdom,” explains Stewart.) But despite the narrow field of potential franchisees, Stewart says, there’s no shortage of promising applicants; she had 335 inquiries in February alone.

Getting this far hasn’t been easy for Stewart, even if she has sold 27 franchises. One of her biggest challenges has been fighting a nagging feeling of being alone: “The innovator’s journey can be quite lonely.”

She might not be lonely for long. By 2014, Stewart hopes to have grown big enough to be partially acquired. “When I decided to do this, I wanted to go big,” she says. “I plan to change the way divorce happens globally.” –kim shiffman  

By Bridget Tyler - February 22nd, 2010

Karen Stewart, 47, set out to do just that after she suffered through a tumultuous divorce that permanently ended her friendship with her ex. “Our kids are thriving, but [the loss of the friendship] is sad,” says Stewart. “With the affidavits, the court fillings – he was never able to move through that, and that’s okay. But it’s unnecessary to have that outcome. Kids want their parents to be friendly even if they’re divorced.”

Stewart clearly isn’t the only one who wishes there was a way to get a divorce without making the person who used to be your best friend hate you forever. Her company, Fairway Divorce Solutions, opened its doors in 2008 and two years later there are ten branches open with seventeen more scheduled to open later this year.  Fairway aims to help both sides of a divorce settle amicably by working for the couple as a whole, not just one part of the couple.  They focus on the two most volatile issues of divorce, money and kids, not as negotiating lawyers, but as a fair and disinterested third party who’s there to find the best solution for everyone.

Stewart says “one of the flaws of the system is that you have two lawyers, so they’re always bargaining, then children become part of the bargaining chip.  In my opinion, divorce isn’t appropriate for that model of giving up the assets to the lawyers. It’s appropriate for business, not family.”

As far as Stewart is concerned, ending a marriage shouldn’t be a competition and it shouldn’t be allowed to spiral into out of control drama. Of course, not everyone out there offering to negotiate your marital disputes feels that way.  Jerry Seinfeld, producer of the upcoming reality show  “The Marriage Ref,” thinks your drama makes for great TV.  He, and a panel of celebrity judges including Kelly Ripa and Alec Baldwin, will listen to marital disputes and declare a winner. Of course, Seinfeld and company are hoping most of their contestants won’t end up needing Fairway’s services – the idea is to let couples in “classic marital disputes” work things out with a sense of humor.  But Seinfeld warns, “this is not a therapy show, it’s a comedy show. After nine years of marriage, I have discover that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich.”

If you think that asking Alec Baldwin to weigh in on whose responsibility it should be to clean your gutters is a good idea, you can sign up for the open casting call here. If you just want to watch the action from a safe distance, tune in on NBC, Thursdays at 10/9 central starting February 28th.  

By KHALID MAGRAM
12th February 2010

Just because you're along doesn't mean you can't embrace Valentine’s Day, says a top divorce guru.

For most people, Feb. 14 is one of those pleasurable and affectionate times of the year – but for someone who is going through divorce or separation, Valentine’s Day can be very difficult and awkward time.

Karen Stewart, a divorce expert and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions, wants people going through divorce or separation not to avoid or fear Valentine’s Day, rather give the day a new or different meaning.

“It’s time we redefine what Valentine’s Day means to us,” Stewart said. “We focus too much on Valentine’s Day being about significant other or a boyfriend and a girlfriend and when we go through separation we anticipate the day with dread.”

Stewart’s message for someone spending his/her first Valentine's Day, as a new divorcee is to sway and encourage that person not to run or hide from Cupid.

“Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love and that can be done by doing something special for your kids, something special for a friend or best of all, doing something special yourself,” she said. There is Valentine’s Day after or during divorce and people, don’t have to spend time alone or foresee the day with anxiety.

Recording how you want your future love to look like on a journal is another way that you can celebrate love.

“Celebrate love by the way of fantasizing how a new love will look like,” Stewart added. “If you don’t have somebody today, that doesn’t mean you won’t have in the future.”

Finally yet importantly, she advises people learn how to forgive. That can bring closure and empower someone who has ended the relationship because it was not working out and to look ahead to the future.

Single people can celebrate love with their single friends and there is no reason to feel like something is wrong because he/she is not with someone on Valentine’s Day. The day is all about having fun and to be the best as one can be.

One of the reasons some distaste Valentine’s Day is the commercialization of Valentine’s Day.

According to Retail Council of Canada, the average expected Valentine's Day spending on gifts is $92.30.

While, a Canuck who just tied the knot plan to spend a large amount on Cupid gifts $101.

For business and retail, they see the opportunity for cashing in the mighty dollar; it is all about getting consumers to buy those dozen roses, box of heart-shaped chocolates or that sensual bubble bath.

"Let’s face it businesses are there to generate sales on Valentines, same way they do for all the holidays,” said Stewart, taunted by her supporters and the media as ‘national divorce guru.’

The pressure is great if everything in the relationship is wonderful. However, for someone who is about to call it quits, the pressure can be overwhelming and very stressful, she said.  

By GEOFF WILLIAMS, AOL SMALL BUSINESS

All's fair in love and war, which may be why divorce often seems unfair. One person usually leaves the union feeling especially burned, either because he or she was blindsided and didn't see the end coming, or because one person got the house and car, and the other got the pet rock and Slim Whitman albums.

Karen Stewart, 47, set out to change that. Four years ago, she created Fairway Divorce Solutions (get it? a "fair way" to solve a divorce) after several years of working on her business plan. She had plenty of inspiration. She divorced her husband around the turn of the century in a bruising, emotional legal battle. By the time it was over, she had spent half a million dollars in legal bills and realized she and her ex-husband, who both live in Calgary, Alberta, and share custody of three children, would never be friends.

"Our kids are thriving, but [the loss of friendship] is sad," says Stewart. "With the affidavits, the court filings -- he was never able to move through that, and that's okay. But it's unnecessary to have that outcome. Kids want their parents to be friendly even if they're divorced."

But this was as unfriendly a divorce as you get. Stewart ended up writing a book about her experiences, Clean Break: How to Divorce with Dignity and Move On with Your Life, and creating Fairway Divorce Solutions. In 2008, two years after opening for business, she began franchising.

It's a concept that appears to have caught on pretty rapidly, despite the recession. There are 10 Fairway Divorce Solutions currently open -- in Canada, as well as Texas, Ohio, Florida and California -- with 17 more scheduled to open later this year. Some of the franchises are making a million in annual revenue, says Stewart, while some are bringing in $500,000 and others, less. Obviously, all the franchises are still in startup mode, some of them just out of the gate.

The business aims to help both husband and wife divorce amicably -- as in, Fairway works for the couple, not half of the couple. "We're not mediators or lawyers," says Stewart, although some attorneys have bought franchises. "We have a very strategic, step-by-step model to help with resolution on two issues: money and kids."

Stewart says "one of the flaws of the system is that you have two lawyers, so they're always bargaining, then children become part of the bargaining chip. In my opinion, divorce isn't appropriate for that model of giving up the assets to the lawyers. It's appropriate in business, not family."

Customers pay anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000 for Fairway's services -- it's a flat fee and depends on what the couple wants and the complexity of their financial situation. "The way to visualize it," says Stewart, "is as a Starbucks divorce. At the end of the day, everybody gets coffee, but it's going to come out differently depending the way you want it served. We have a very strategic, methodical process, which includes anywhere from 14 to 20 steps to getting a divorce, depending how complicated the situation is."

Stewart is certain that her model is better than the current model: "One of the flaws of the system is, when you're getting a divorce, you pick up the phone and think, 'Who can I hire to show the world that he or she is a horrible person, so I can win?' People think by hiring a top attorney, they're engaging control -- but the opposite happens. You lose control to the system and the mechanism of the system. What people forget when they pick up the phone and call the ball-busting, if you will, female or male lawyer, they forget the economics -- the cost of the legal bills and the loss of opportunity cost. If you're going through a divorce, and you have to divert most of your attention to your divorce, your business is going to suffer. When you look at the economics of divorce, there's a massive cost to our society, and there doesn't need to be."

One of those costs, says Stewart, is that children may wind up with the idea that marriage has to end badly "implanted in their DNA" when a union ends so explosively.

It's a complicated, emotional, delicate business, obviously, and that's why Stewart says owning a franchise isn't for everyone. "This isn't an easy job," says Stewart, who says the ideal candidates to buy into the franchise have a strong background in either business, finance or law.

And just in case it isn't clear, Stewart stresses that she is a big fan of marriage -- just not divorce. "We do have people leave our process because they get back together, and to me, that's a gift. Marriage is a great thing, and if we got better at handling divorce, we might have fewer of them in the future."

More info:

Franchise fee: $25,000 for the first unit; additional locations are $20,000
Startup costs: There isn't a set formula, but the franchise fee doesn't include advertising, office space, and many of the costs associated with a startup
Contact: FairwayDivorceFranchise.com; 1-866-990-FAIR.

Geoff Williams is a frequent contributor to AOL Small Business and the co-author of the new book Living Well with Bad Credit.  

January 9, 2010 
by Elisha Dacey

If December is the month of family and February is the month of romance, then you can call January the month to be dumped.

West Kelowna resident Shauna Henderson says it was last January 12 when she broke up with her boyfriend of more than a year.

"It's so callous," says Henderson, 28. "It makes me sound like a jerk, but honestly, it was a New Year's resolution (to break up with him).

"I kind of knew it was over about a month before Christmas, but I didn't want to break up with him during the holidays."

According to a study released by Cupid.com, the largest online dating site in North America, four out of 10 people will re-assess their relationships in January after the holiday season is over.

Anna Zornosa, vice president and general manager of Yahoo! Personals (which owns Cupid.com), says that people tend to put up with their partner so they have someone for the holidays. "Once the festivities are over, it's time to decide whether to fish or cut bait."

"It’s like clockwork," says Karen Stewart, CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions, which opened a franchise office in West Kelowna in September of 2009. "December is dead - we could almost close down our office. But by January 10, the phone is ringing off the hook."

Growing Franchise Saves Divorcing Couples Time and Money while Protecting the Children

Salt Lake City, UT (March 18, 2011) – The traditional divorce process can tear families apart, leave couples in financial ruin, and cause lasting emotional scars – Fairway Divorce Solutions is on a mission to educate Americans that there is a “better way.”
With 38 franchise locations across the United States and Canada, Fairway Divorce Solutions has seized the opportunity to revolutionize the divorce process through an independently negotiated resolution model that reduces cost, time, stress and protects the children of divorcing couples.  

“Divorce is always going to be a stressful and emotional time for those involved, but we’ve developed a process that allows couples to go through the process separately, yet with the common goal of a fair division of assets,” said Karen Stewart, President and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions. “The Fairway Process ™ empowers people to make educated decisions about their finances and family structure, preserve their assets and lay the foundation for healthy, independent futures.”  

In the Fairway Process, ™ each party agrees to work independently with a Senior Negotiator who has a strong background in finance. The financial acumen of the Senior Negotiator increases the likelihood of a proper division of assets and allows couples to come to a “fair ground,” as opposed to the “middle ground,” which traditional divorce mediators work towards. Divorce lawyers and mediators typically don’t have strong backgrounds in finance. Thus, they are prone to fighting over money instead of finding a grounded financial solution.  This traditional model often results in an elongated process where fees can skyrocket and assets can get destroyed.

Unlike the traditional divorce process that often takes years to finalize, Fairway Divorce Solutions aims to complete the divorce within 120 days after financial disclosure.  Charging a flat fee, Fairway Divorce Solutions uses a mediation model that focuses on saving its clients’ assets and implementing accountability. Once a fair division of assets is achieved, the couple works with the Senior Negotiator / Mediator to develop a comprehensive parenting plan for the children involved. In the Fairway Process, independent legal advice is important for legal direction and for drafting authorized contracts, but position bargaining for a win – lose scenario usually results with both parties losing.

Stewart, who attained her MBA in finance, is fully aware of the flaws associated with the traditional divorce process. Several years ago, she endured a lengthy divorce that cost her more than a half million dollars in legal bills alone and forcibly exposed her children to the court system’s hostile environment.  Stewart documents her divorce and describes a “better way” to divorce in her 2008 novel, Clean Break: How to Divorce with Dignity and Move on with Your Life. Inspired by her disheartening divorce, Stewart set out to challenge the status quo by founding Fairway Divorce Solutions in 2006.  

Today, Fairway Divorce Solutions is recognized as the paramount divorce mediation / 9negotiation alternative and is aggressively expanding in North America. The company began franchising in Canada in 2008 and launched in the United States in 2009.  Fairway Divorce Solutions franchisees are financial gurus who empathize with those in the divorce process and are passionate about being part of a trailblazing movement to make a positive difference in their clients’ lives. 

“We’re in the business of helping people,” said Stewart.  “When it comes to divorce, there’s the old way, and there’s the fair way. I know, because I I’ve been through it, and I’ve been lucky enough to save many couples from the excessive hardship of traditional divorce.” 

Current Franchise owners purchase Winnipeg location after launching successful Calgary office

Winnipeg, MB (February 28, 2011) - Fairway Divorce Solutions Ltd. (Fairway), a leading alternative divorce solutions firm specializing in mediation and conflict resolution, officially opened its newest office in Winnipeg, Manitoba marking the first in the province and the second office opened by franchisee owners Margot Culver, Clark Johannson and Tom Kleysen.  

 “Strongly believing in the Fairway model, we opened our first franchise in Calgary, Alberta in June 2008,” says Culver. “We then found a great partner, Tom Kleysen, based in Winnipeg who believed in what Fairway was doing and we purchased the rights to the Manitoba and North Western Ontario franchises in July 2010.”

“What separates Fairway from traditional mediation companies is our highly qualified negotiators/mediators who have extensive financial and negotiation acumen,” says Karen Stewart, President and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions. “Furthermore, we charge a flat fee and are committed to achieving resolution within 120 days of financial disclosure so we have no interest in dragging out the divorce process.”

The step-by-step Fairway Process™ uses an Independently Negotiated Resolution, a strategic mediation model that empowers decision makers and focuses on resolution and a fair outcome for all parties involved. Fairway lessens the conflict found in traditional divorce reducing cost, time and stress, and protecting the children of separating couples.

“The best part of the Fairway process is the emphasis on prioritizing what is best for the children,” added Johannson, one of the franchise owners of the Winnipeg location.

“Divorce is an emotional and difficult event in one’s life, but it is a time when people need to make well informed and grounded decisions,” says Patrick Prowse, Senior Negotiator / Mediator and Regional Manager. “I’m looking forward to connecting with clients in Winnipeg and working with divorcing couples to achieve a win-win for both parties.”

Fairway opened its doors in the summer of 2006 and has since expanded across North America with plans for further expansion overseas. The new Fairway Divorce Solutions office in Winnipeg, Manitoba is now open at 43 Scurfield Blvd. To start on the clear road to a new life, divorcing couples are encouraged to call 204-414-9181 to speak directly with a Senior Negotiator.

For more information about Fairway Divorce Solutions please visit www.fairwaydivorce.com.  

Fairway Divorce Solutions® is Positively Changing the Divorce Industry and Seeking Franchisees

(Sacramento, CA) February 14, 2011 – Fairway Divorce Solutions (Fairway), the first international divorce mediation franchise, is gaining a foothold in California and looking for qualified professionals to be part of a successful franchise brand that helps people and reinforces positive change.

Karen Stewart, President and CEO of Fairway, and her franchisees have made significant strides over the last five years, positively changing the divorce industry by decreasing the cost, time and stress associated with the traditional divorce system.  While there are already offices in California, Stewart sees this state as one demonstrating its readiness to embrace a better way.

“At Fairway, we work to create positive change during an unfortunate event in people’s lives,” says Stewart. “We are not only empowering franchisees to build a successful business but we’re creating positive change for generations to come. We are anxious to see our business grow in California.”

In a recent court case involving Cassel v. the Superior Court (Wasserman Comden Casselman & Pearson) the mediation field saw a huge victory when the California Supreme Court upheld mediation confidentiality applied to protect discussions between counsel and client. Given the growing confidence in the mediation industry, now is the time to embrace change. Fairway Divorce Solutions is doing just that by ensuring that franchisees have high financial and negotiation acumen. With Fairway, the children come first and its experts are dedicated to finding resolution on all financial matters, ensuring that assets are valued properly regardless of who gets what.  

Fairway’s business model trumps the traditional system because it takes couples (conflicted or amicable) through a step-by-step Independently Negotiated Resolution™ process – a proven model that empowers decision makers and focuses on resolution.

Individuals who are interested in a franchise can learn more by visiting www.fairwaydivorcefranchise.com, or calling 1-866-755-3247 (FAIR).

Fairway Divorce Solutions awarded finalist status in three categories for prestigious worldwide award – winners announced in New York November 12.

Calgary, AB, October 19, 2010 – Fairway Divorce Solutions (Fairway) was named as a finalist in three categories in the 7th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business: Best New Service of the Year; Best Overall Company of the Year – Service Business – up to 100 Employees; and Most Innovative Company of the Year – Up to 100 Employees.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honour women executives, entrepreneurs, and the companies they run worldwide.  The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards, and more than 1,200 entries – a record for the competition - were submitted this year for consideration in 54 categories.  

“To be nominated as a finalist in three categories for such a prestigious award is an honour,” says Karen Stewart, President and CEO, Fairway Divorce Solutions. “These finalist nominations acknowledge and confirm that Fairway is raising the bar in mediation and conflict resolution. Individuals are recognizing that there is a better way to divorce, and Fairway is that way.”

Finalists were chosen by business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging.
Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges and Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie Award winners from among the Finalists during final judging.

 “It was harder than ever to be recognized in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business this year,” said Michael Gallagher, President of the Stevie Awards.  “Receiving a high score from the judges this year illustrates how well many women in business are doing despite the stiff challenges they face.”

“This is a significant achievement and I would like to thank and applaud all of the Fairway franchisees and employees that made this possible,” added Stewart.

Details about The Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/women.  Winners will be announced during a gala event at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York on Friday, November 12, 2010.

For more information about Karen Stewart and Fairway Divorce Solutions please visit www.FairwayDivorce.com.

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About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

Sponsors of the 7th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business (as of October 11) include the Business TalkRadio Network and KeyBank.  Localization partner of the 2011 Stevie Awards is Lionbridge.

 

Calgary, AB, October 19, 2010 – Fairway Divorce Solutions® (Fairway) President and CEO Karen Stewart was named in the 12^th annual PROFIT W100 ranking of Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs.

“I am honoured to be included in the twelfth annual PROFIT W100 ranking for my work with Fairway Divorce Solutions,” says Stewart. “Four short years ago I had a vision to provide people with a better way to divorce. In 2006 that vision blossomed into a single office in Calgary, Alberta. Today I’ve sold 39 franchises across North America, and I am so happy to be able to provide more and more individuals with a proven alternative to the traditional divorce system.”

Ranking Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs on a composite score based on the size, growth rate and profitability of their businesses, the PROFIT W100 profiles the country’s most successful female business owners. Published in the November issue of PROFIT and online at www.PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT W100 is Canada’s largest annual celebration of entrepre­neurial achievement by women. Due to Fairway’s high growth and popular process, Karen placed 99^th on this year’s list.

“The 2010 PROFIT W100 are ambitious, savvy business leaders who defy stereotypes,” says Ian Portsmouth, Editor of PROFIT. “Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs deserve the highest praise for their ability to spot opportunity and grow profitably.”

Fairway was created as an alternative to the traditional divorce system that saves money, time, stress and protects the children. Charging a flat fee, Fairway uses a common sense, proven approach called The Fairway Process™.  The Fairway Process™ offers a step-by-step process called “Independently Negotiated Resolution”, a strategic mediation model that empowers decision making; a plan to control costs; and a focus on the future with positive co-parenting and finances top of mind.

Stewart has experienced tremendous success over the last several years, and attributes it to her passion for the divorce industry. “I encourage all women to follow their intuition and pursue a career that they are passionate about,” added Stewart. “If you are able to do that then success will come naturally.”

For more information about Karen Stewart and Fairway Divorce Solutions please visit www.FairwayDivorce.com.

Calgary, AB, October 19, 2010 – Fairway Divorce Solutions has been named in the 2010 annual PROFIT W100 ranking of Canada's Top Women Business Owners.  Ranking organizations by revenue growth, the PROFIT W100 profiles some of the countries most successful business leaders.  The November 2010 issue of PROFIT magazine will celebrate the achievements of female entrepreneurs and highlight their important contributions to the Canadian economy.

According to Fairway Divorce Solutions President and CEO, Karen Stewart, ranking on the Profit W100 is a true sign of success as both a franchised business and as a leader in mediation and conflict resolution.

“Ranking on the PROFIT W100 puts Fairway in a category of admired businesses that are expanding domestically and internationally,” says Stewart. “It is a huge honor for us, and a great way for other entrepreneurs to learn from the best practices and innovations of likeminded hyper-growth companies.”

Since 2008 Fairway Divorce Solutions has expanded franchise operations into 39 markets across Canada and the United States and sees no signs of slowing down.

“We’ve experienced a high demand among savvy franchise owners who understand the potential of providing a new divorce alternative.  As traditional divorce continues to come under scrutiny and reform, Fairway has grown exponentially by offering a proven divorce process to move on with dignity and more of your assets intact,” adds Stewart.

(Oct. 18, 2010) Los Angeles, CA – He may score high for comedic antics and publicity stunts, but David Arquette doesn’t win any points for separation etiquette, according to Karen Stewart.  Following Arquette’s explicit interview on the Howard Stern Show, the national divorce guru advises on the top five mistakes people make when announcing their divorce.

Say too much: In general when a couple is ready to get a divorce they want to move on as quickly as possible. This doesn’t mean they are ready for all the intimate details of their split to become public. Emotions run high during a separation, but respecting your ex’s privacy will benefit both of you and any children who are involved.

Brag about your improved sex life: It’s healthy to embrace your new single status, but bragging about your improved sex life, when you know it will get back to your ex is unwise. 

Blame your ex: You may feel as though your ex was the cause of your relationship ending, but in reality both parties usually play a part. Publicly lambasting your ex for your hurt and anguish won’t help you move on any faster.

Ask others to take sides: It’s inevitable that you’ll lose some friendships following a divorce or separation, but don’t attempt to force it by asking your allies to take sides. Allow the natural progression to unfold as it should.

Insult your ex in front of your children: While it’s natural to vent, talking ill of your ex in front of your child will only damage their view on relationships or make them feel as though half of their roots are flawed. 

Divorce is heartbreaking and it takes time to rebuild. A little respect and dignity in the face of pain will go a long way in your healing process and make you feel better about yourself in the long run.

(October 18, 2010) Dallas, TX – Approximately 41 percent of first marriages in America will end in “I don’t.” Sharon Nelson is part of this statistic. Nearly 15 years ago, the mother of four made the decision to divorce her husband of (how many years?). After spending $25,000 in legal fees and losing the ability to co-parent with her ex, Nelson concluded the traditional divorce system was a failure.
   
“The traditional divorce system doesn’t take into account the future implications for children or parents,” said Nelson. “It creates a lot of problems both emotionally and financially. I know because it happened to me.”

Nelson began practicing family law mediation after her divorce, but didn’t feel the process properly addressed the issues that were important like how the children or each party’s individual finances would be affected. Rather than contribute to a broken system, Nelson decided to engage in a new one. On (what date) she launched Texas’s first Fairway Divorce Solutions, an alternative divorce mediation company focused on saving divorcees time, money and emotional stress.

”The big difference is, we work with both parties to gain feedback on the issues that matter to them before we involve lawyers,” said Nelson. “Parenting and financial experts are brought in at the clients discretion to help resolve sensitive issues and help find the best long-term outcome for everyone involved.”

Fairway quotes splitting spouses a flat fee for their divorce and provides a time estimate, which greatly reduces the financial and emotional stress, said Nelson. After going through the life-altering process herself, today Nelson is happy to be helping other couples avoid her own painful mistakes. For more information visit: http://fairwaydivorce.com

New franchise location to serve more individuals affected by divorce

Kitchener, ON, October 05, 2010 - Fairway Divorce Solutions Ltd. (Fairway), a leading edge alternative divorce solutions firm, opened a new office in Kitchener, Ontario on October 1st. The Waterloo - Wellington location marks the 38th Fairway franchise sold across Canada and the United States. The new office will be serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas.

Owners and married couple Ken Whyte and Colette Fortin decided to get involved with Fairway after reading the book Clean Break: How to Divorce With Dignity and Move on With Your Life, written by Fairway CEO and President Karen Stewart. With the help of Laura Cornell, Senior Negotiator for the new franchise, the couple will use their expertise, experience and passion to serve others who are journeying through one of the most difficult transitions in life.

“Having experienced divorce ourselves, we know first hand how difficult of a transition it is, how it strips you of your dignity and many times leaves you feeling raw and empty,” said Colette Fortin. “When we read Clean Break we could totally identify with the feelings of helplessness and of being at the mercy of a legal system that is anything but fair. As parents of a blended family of seven children, we have witnessed the emotional impact that divorce has on children and how critical it is to protect the children through this process.”

Through their personal and professional backgrounds in communications, teaching and banking, Ken, Colette and Laura understand the financial and emotional implications of divorce and the need for a structured and thorough system.

"We are very excited to be offering Waterloo – Wellington and surrounding areas an alternative to the traditional divorce system," said Karen Stewart. "The traditional system of divorce too often proves to be a lengthy, expensive and stressful experience. Fairway offers a strategic step-by-step mediation process that leads to win-win resolutions in a manner that reduces stress, saves time and money and protects children."

Fairway Divorce Solutions was founded by Karen Stewart whose own difficult divorce inspired her to develop an alternative. The Fairway Process™ empowers people to make informed decisions, preserves assets, maintains dignity and focuses on the future through positive co-parenting plans.

Since its inception, Fairway Divorces Solutions has expanded across North America with plans for further expansion overseas. The new Fairway Divorce Solutions office in Kitchener, Ontario is now open at 296 Frederick Street where a Grand Opening will be held later in the year. To start on the clear road to a new life, divorcing couples are encouraged to call 519-954-6240 to speak with a client manager.

For more information about Fairway Divorce Solution please visit www.fairwaydivorce.com.

Victoria location better able to serve individuals affected by divorce

Calgary, AB, August 27, 2010 - Fairway Divorce Solutions Ltd. (Fairway), a leading edge alternative divorce solutions firm, has relocated and expanded its operations in Victoria, British Columbia.  The Victoria/Vancouver Island Fairway franchise is one of 38 across Canada and the United States.

Greg and Deb Longphee are gratified to be able to offer an alternative solution to those experiencing the strain of divorce. "Having experienced the traditional divorce process ourselves we understand how difficult it can be. We are pleased to have the opportunity to be of assistance to people during a difficult time in their lives," said Deb. "Fairway's focus on empowerment, dignity and the emotional well being of children is long overdue and much needed."

While working at Fairway's corporate head office in Calgary, Deb was both moved and impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the Fairway team. Leaning on their extensive backgrounds in business and finance, she and her husband decided to purchase and relocate the Vancouver Island franchise.  Greg and Deb understand the financial and emotional implications of divorce and the need for a structured and thorough system.

"We are very excited to be offering Greater Victoria a proven alternative to conventional divorce," said Karen Stewart, President and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions. "The traditional system of divorce too often proves to be a lengthy, expensive and stressful experience.  Fairway offers a strategic step-by-step process that leads to win-win resolutions in a manner that reduces stress, saves time and money, and protects children."

Fairway Divorce Solutions is the creation of Karen Stewart whose own protracted, emotionally exhausting divorce inspired her to develop an alternative. The Fairway Process™ empowers people to make informed decisions, preserves assets, maintains dignity and focuses on the future through positive co-parenting plans.

Since its inception, Fairway Divorces Solutions has expanded across North America and plans to move into the United Kingdom, Australia and Scandinavia in 2011. The new Fairway Divorce Solutions office in Victoria is now open at Suite 405, Quadra Centre, 3960 Quadra Street, where a Grand Opening will be held on October 14th, 2010.  To start on the clear road to a new life, divorcing couples are encouraged to call 250-744-FAIR (3247) to speak with a client manager.  

York Region franchisee helps keep divorcing couples out of the courtroom

Calgary, AB, August 26, 2010 – Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. (Fairway) today announced the opening of its newest franchise office in York Region, Ontario.  

The franchise office was purchased by Su Cooke who brings more than 25 years of experience as a chartered accountant and senior finance executive with Fortune 500 companies. “I was looking for an opportunity to leverage my financial and business skills into a service that would also provide the satisfaction of helping people during a time of need,” said Cooke, Franchise Owner and Senior Negotiator.  “Having experienced the pain and confusion of marital breakdown, I understand the need for a calm and knowledgeable voice to help guide couples to a new independent life and a solid financial future.”

The new office, located at 9050 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON, will serve the areas of Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Concord, Maple, Stouffville, Aurora, Newmarket, Pickering and Brampton, and is now accepting new clients. A grand opening will be held this fall.

Fairway provides a model for divorcing with dignity and an alternative to traditional divorce practices. Unlike the traditional process in which fees can escalate, Fairway charges a reasonable flat fee for services. The Fairway Process™ offers a step-by-step process that brings win-win resolutions through empowered decision making; a plan to control costs; and a focus on the future with positive co-parenting and finances top of mind.

“We announced the sale of five Toronto offices in March 2009, and I’m happy that we now have an office that will serve the surrounding region,” said Karen Stewart, President and CEO, Fairway Divorce Solutions. “We continue to see a high demand for new Franchises and a healthy alternative to the divorce system.  We will continue to provide individuals with a proven process to get through divorce and move on with their lives with their dignity intact.”

Fairway opened its doors in 2006 and has since sold 38 franchises across Canada and the United States, with plans to move into the U.K., Australia and Scandinavia in 2011. To start on the clear road to a new life, divorcing couples are encouraged to call 1-877-440-FAIR (3247) and speak with the client manager.

For more information about Fairway Divorce Solutions expansion plans, please visit www.FairwayDivorce.com.

Latest franchise opens doors in Vancouver, British Columbia

Calgary, AB, June 24, 2010 – Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. (Fairway), a leading alternative divorce solutions firm, continues to expand across Canada and the United States with the opening of its newest franchise in Vancouver, British Columbia.  

Raj Sharma, Antonio Simoes and Nazlin Lakhani have partnered together to offer the Greater Vancouver Area a unique divorce process. “[We all] saw the shortcomings and inadequacies of the legal system,” said Sharma, who added that he perceives the court system as “a blunt instrument applied to the nuances of a separating couple.”

Sharma and Simoes have extensive experience in family and immigration law, and Lakhani brings previous experience as a management and operations specialist for service based organizations. When they learned of Fairway Divorce Solutions, the three agreed that it was a unique purchasing opportunity that would allow them to capitalize on their backgrounds. With their collective experience the partners understand the financial implications and emotional issues faced by divorcing couples, and are well-qualified to work with them to ensure that their interests are effectively and efficiently resolved.

“The divorce industry is definitely changing,” said Karen Stewart, President and CEO, Fairway Divorce Solutions. “We are seeing that individuals are no longer agreeing to pay ridiculous lawyer fees and be dragged through a process that adds more harm to an already unpleasant experience. Instead they are doing their research, finding the best method, and going through the divorce process in a way that better suits their wants and needs. In turn, Fairway keeps expanding.”

Fairway Divorce Solutions provides a model for divorcing with dignity and an alternative to traditional divorce practices. The Fairway Process™ offers a step-by-step process that brings win-win resolutions through empowered decision making; a plan to control costs; and a focus on the future with positive co-parenting and finances top of mind.

Fairway Divorce Solutions opened its doors in 2006 and has since sold 33 franchises across Canada and the United States, with plans to move into the U.K., Australia and Mexico in 2011.
The first Fairway Divorce Solutions office in Vancouver is now open at Suite 1410, 1130 West Pender Street. To start on the clear road to a new life, divorcing couples are encouraged to call 604-689-3456 and speak with the Client Manager or Senior Negotiator.

For more information about Fairway Divorce Solutions, please visit www.FairwayDivorce.com.

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About Fairway Divorce Solutions®
Established in 2006, Fairway Divorce Solutions offers a first-of-its-kind alternative to the traditional system of divorce by offering a new divorce paradigm that saves money, time, stress and protects the children. Charging a flat fee, Fairway Divorce Solutions uses a common sense, step-by-step proven approach called The Fairway Process™. The Company is growing rapidly with franchises in Victoria, BC; Vancouver, BC; Kelowna, BC; Edmonton, AB; Calgary, AB; Saskatoon, SK; Toronto, ON; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA; Columbus, OH; Pensacola, FL; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Corona, CA; Waterloo/Wellington, ON; London, ON; Aurora, ON; and Vaughn, ON. Expansion plans will continue throughout 2010.

About Karen Stewart
Touted as a national “divorce expert” by media and supporters alike, Karen Stewart, BSc., M.B.A., RHU, CDFA, R.F.M., is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and author of the sought after divorce book Clean Break: How to Divorce with Dignity and Move on with Your Life. She is also the founder and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions®, the first real alternative to the traditional divorce process. With the winning combination of business and financial acumen, Karen is a key guest speaker at conferences at the local, regional and national level. She is a regular guest on the Big Brain Radio Show out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has been featured and interviewed by notable media outlets across the country, including: Reader’s Digest Canada, CTV, Global television, Alberta Venture magazine, PROFIT Magazine, Sun Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, The Globe and Mail, Franchise Canada, and Slice™.

(April 26, 2010) San Diego, CA – America’s sweetheart’s split with TV bad boy Jesse James is fueling debates over custody rights to stepchildren. Sandra Bullock’s latest announcement regarding the adoption of 3-month-old Louis Bardo Bullock, has some parents questioning the fate of the new baby’s relationship with James. Others speculate over the Oscar winner’s relationship with James’s three children. The high-profile divorce case has stepparents across the nation speaking out against unfair legislation.

“Unfortunately unless you’re a parent who legally adopted your step child, many jurisdictions do not recognize guardianship in the same way,” explained Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, an alternative divorce company. In many circumstances stepparents are just as involved in a child’s life as the birth parent and they’re a great source of support and influence. In the case of Sandra and Jesse a lot will depend on how they feel about co-parenting.”

According to the Step Family Foundation, 66 percent of remarried couples break up when children are involved. Stewart, who founded Fairway Divorce after enduring a nasty split, which left her without access to her two steps children, says there are a growing number of stepparents who find themselves in unfavorable situations.

“There are more step families than ever before, yet many legislations have not changed to accommodate this,” she said. “The complicating factor is the legal guardian may or may not be supportive of the relationship with the step parent. Clearly it helps to have the other birth parent supportive of a continued relationship. The best solution is to try to negotiate with your ex to create a co-parenting plan.”

Stewart suggests working with a mediator or divorce expert to create a workable solution that meets the needs of both parties. While celebrities like Bullock and James, may have the budget to resolve custody issues through the traditional court system, Stewart points out most separations are better resolved outside of courts and the majority of step parents can’t afford exorbitant lawyer fees. 

March 15, 2010 Sacramento, CA – For Debbie Hannan, divorce not only meant leaving her husband of 20 years, it meant walking away from the thriving landscaping business they had built together. For the first time in two decades the veteran businesswoman found herself looking for a new career. Ironically she found it servicing the same demographic she had just entered into – divorcees.  

“People always say that divorce, death and retirement are the most stressful situations you can find yourself in,” said Hannan. “Here I was newly single and without a business. I needed a new opportunity so I decided to Google franchises and I came across Fairway Divorce Solutions.”

The company was started by Karen Stewart, a Canadian entrepreneur who after spending half a million dollars in legal fees and losing the ability to co-parent with her ex, decided there had to be a better way to get divorced.

Hannan recruited her daughter a fellow divorcee, Becky Shook, as a business partner.  After reading Stewart’s book “Clean Break: How to Divorce With Dignity and Move on With Your Life,” Shook and Hannan called Fairway’s head office and convinced them to expand into the US a year early.

The duo opened their office in Sacramento eight months ago and have never been happier. Shook, a psychology practitioner by trade, says the best part about the divorce business is helping couples through the transition.

“It’s been really rewarding,” said Shook. “We’re helping people through one of the most difficult times in their lives. No matter how tough the situation is, we are tireless in our pursuit of finding the fairest outcome for both parties so they can move on with their lives.”
Driven by the passion of ensuring others don’t have to go through the unfairness of a divorce like Hannan’s, the mother, daughter team know the Fairway model is there to make the difference.

“Having gone through the painful process of traditional divorce, I just knew there was such a great need for an alternative solution in our community,” said Hannan. “The Fairway process saves time, money and emotional stress by using independent negotiators to help both parties come to resolutions on all areas of divorce.”
 

Leading Alternative Divorce Solutions Firm Opens Franchises in Toronto

Calgary, AB, March 2, 2009 – Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. (‘Fairway’), a leading alternative divorce solutions firm, is pleased to announce its expansion into the Eastern Canadian market. The company announced today that five franchises were sold in Toronto, Ontario.

“We are thrilled to have a Fairway Divorce Solutions presence in Toronto. Since we began franchising over a year ago, we have experienced unprecedented success and there is a growing demand for our services across the country,” said Karen Stewart, President and CEO, Fairway Divorce Solutions. “That we now have 26 franchises across North America speaks to the fact that people are looking for an alternative to the traditional divorce system. It’s an honour to be able to help people through such a difficult time in their lives by offering them a proven, better alternative to traditional divorce.”

The Toronto franchises were purchased by Oscar Dal Bello. Of his purchase, Dal Bello says, “When I heard about Fairway, I was instantly intrigued. In educating parents to ensure that children are protected, the Fairway process improves the broken system of traditional divorce. It instructs couples to focus on the present and future, not the past.”

The first Fairway office opened in Calgary in 2006 after Stewart experienced first-hand the financial and emotional devastation that often comes with the traditional divorce system. “I wanted to provide couples with a clean break – a system that would allow them to divorce with dignity, save money and protect their children.”

The Toronto franchises are the first in Eastern Canada and Stewart has plans to continue expansion throughout the region.

Dal Bello continued, “This service is desperately needed in larger markets like Toronto where traditional divorce collides with already fast-paced lifestyles to produce extremely high levels of stress.”

Fairway’s success is attributed to its fixed-fee, step-by-step negotiated resolution process founded on cooperation. Professional negotiators lead divorcing couples through a well-defined process to achieve a fair and mutually acceptable division of financial assets as well as negotiating and preparing comprehensive parenting plans. Fairway clients work with their trained negotiator as a team to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution in the least amount of time possible while minimizing costs and stress.

For more information about Fairway Divorce Solutions expansion plans, please visit www.FairwayDivorce.com.

(Feb 22, 2010) San Diego, CA – Unlike most industries, which have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn, Karen Stewart says the business of splitting with a spouse is pretty much recession proof. The divorce guru who started Fairway Divorce, a business that allows couples to separate using a mediator and negotiator process for a fixed cost, claims business is still booming.

“In general when a couple is ready to get a divorce they will move on it as quickly as possible,” said Stewart. “We haven’t noticed a decrease in business at all, in fact in some regions we’ve seen increases because we keep their costs down and therefore the money stays in their pockets.”
Stewart founded Fairway Divorce after enduring what she describes as a “nasty divorce.” After spending half a million dollars in legal fees and losing the ability to co-parent with her ex, Stewart decided their had to be a better way to divorce. She created Fairway, which saves disputing spouses time, money and emotional stress.

“We offer a model that doesn’t drain people emotionally or financially during one of the hardest times in their lives,” Stewart said.
Fairway Divorce was founded in Canada in 2006. There are now franchise locations expanding across the United States including San Diego, Sacramento, Columbus, Pensacola, Dallas and Fort Worth. Stewart expects the number of US franchise locations to increase to 50 by 2011.
               
Media Contact
Jennifer Maloney
Spark PR
604-727-4506
Jennifer@sparkgroup.ca

About Fairway Divorce Solutions®
Fairway Divorce Solutions offers a first-of-its-kind alternative to the traditional system of divorce by offering a new divorce paradigm that saves money, time, stress and protects the children. Growing rapidly, the company has franchised across Canada and is actively expanding into the USA. For more information, please visit www.fairwaydivorce.com.

About Karen Stewart
Touted as a national “divorce guru” by media and supporters alike, Karen Stewart is the author of the forthcoming book Clean Break: How to Divorce with Dignity and Move on with Your Life. She is also the founder and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions®, the first real alternative to the traditional divorce process.   

San Diego and Sacramento, Calif. – January 22, 2010 – Fairway Divorce Solutions, an alternative approach to divorce resolution, has opened its first United States-based franchises in San Diego and Sacramento, Calif.

Fairway Divorce Solutions in Sacramento is owned and operated by California-natives Becky Shook, Debbie Hannan, and Wade Hanley, and is located at 8880 Cal Center Dr, Sacramento, CA 95826.

The San Diego franchise will operate and offer its services to the public as “Divorce Solutions”, and is owned by Bryan Buljat, located at #530,1011 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108.

Fairway Divorce Solutions replaces the traditional way of divorce by offering couples an independent negotiated resolution™ process that reduces costs, time, stress, and protects children. The process is different than the traditional system of divorce—it offers parties a structured step-by-step negotiation process to determine what is fair; not just facilitating discussions. It also reduces stress among couples and allows them to negotiate without face-to-face meetings.

“Fairway Divorce’s expansion into the United States proves what we’ve thought all along: the divorce system is broken and leaves divorcees emotionally and financially drained,” said Karen Stewart, Fairway Divorce Solutions’ founder and CEO. “We’re confident that people in California who turn to Fairway will become well informed decision makers through the Fairway Process to achieve their win-win outcome.

“Having experienced my own divorce, what attracted me to buying a franchise is that Fairway Divorce Solutions’ process creates a healthy environment for both sides so they can work towards a resolution that is less stressful and more empowering.” said Debbie Hannan, Sacramento franchisee.

For more information about Fairway Divorce Solutions in Sacramento and San Diego, visit their Web sites at www.fairwaydivorce.com/sacramento or call 877-770-FAIR (3247), and http://divorcesolutionssandiego.com/or call 1-866-755-3247, respectively.

About Fairway Divorce Solutions®
Established in 2006, Fairway Divorce Solutions provides an alternative to the traditional system of divorce with a new divorce model that saves money, time, stress, and protects children. Charging a flat fee, Fairway Divorce Solutions uses a commonsense, step-by-step, proven approach called The Fairway Process™. The Company is growing rapidly with franchises throughout Canada, and is expanding in the U.S. www.fairwaydivorcefranchise.com.

PR Contact
Brittany Snapp
Franchise Foundry
801.722.4090
bsnapp@thefranchisefoundry.com  

FAIRWAY DIVORCE SOLUTIONS NAMES BROOKLINE PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY OF RECORD

(Calgary, Jan. 13, 2010)- Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. (Fairway), a leading alternative divorce solutions firm, is pleased to name Brookline Public Relations, Inc. (Brookline) as its agency of record for 2010.

Karen Stewart, nationally recognized divorce expert, developed Fairway as an alternative to the traditional divorce system that saves money, time, stress and protects the children. Charging a flat fee, Fairway uses a common sense step-by-step proven approach called The Fairway Process™.

“We are incredibly honoured to be named Fairway’s public relations agency of record,” said Shauna MacDonald, Brookline’s Principal and Founder. “We are entering our fifth consecutive year working with Fairway, and we take immense pride in being able to contribute to Fairway’s tremendous growth. What started as a single location in Calgary, Alberta, in 2006, has now expanded to more than twenty franchises across North America. We are honoured to be a part of Fairway’s continued growth and we look forward to working on new initiatives with this successful franchise throughout 2010.”

2009 proved to be an exciting year for Fairway as it ventured into the United States, received national coverage, and continued to offer couples a positive, affordable and time-saving alternative to divorce.

“We are very pleased to carry on our relationship with Brookline by selecting them as our agency of record,” said Stewart. “We chose Brookline because of its history in launching successful media relations campaigns and its experience in franchise relations. We continue to work with the agency because of its ability to support Fairway as we look to expand nationally and further develop our brand. I look forward to the great work that I know they will deliver.”

 

-- The Sacramento franchise will be headed by Becky Shook, Debbie Hannan & Wade Hanley --

Sacramento, Calif. – September 17, 2009 – Fairway Divorce Solutions, an alternative approach to divorce resolution, has opened its first United States-based franchise in Sacramento, California. Fairway Divorce Solutions in Sacramento will be owned and operated by California-natives Becky Shook, Debbie Hannan, and Wade Hanley, and be located at 8880 Cal Center Dr, Sacramento, CA 95826.

Debbie Hannan, a California native, was motivated to buy the Fairway Divorce Solutions franchise after experiencing her own painful divorce and realized that the divorce process was broken. Hannan, along with her business partners, Shook and Hanley, who have Master’s degrees in Psychology and more than 15 years of experience helping people through tough transitions, will head the Sacramento location’s divorce negotiation process.

“Traditional divorce sees things in dollars and cents, and neglects the emotional needs of all parties involved,” said Becky Shook, lead negotiator for the Sacramento franchise. “Fairway Divorce Solution’s process looks beyond the money and creates a healthy environment for both sides so they can work towards a resolution that is less stressful and more empowering.”

Becky Shook is a Psychology Practitioner with 15 years of experience in the psychology field.  Shook has a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with doctoral-level coursework in Business Management.  Shook specializes in moving people through transitions of all kinds.  Her work within organizations has resulted in the development of many Strategic Change programs that have laid solid foundations for transition of employees, systems, processes, and culture for major initiatives. In addition, she has supported individuals, couples, families and groups through a broad spectrum of transitions, including divorce.  

Wade Hanley is a small business owner and financial consultant who helps his clients successfully manage their businesses, provide personal coaching, as well as assist them in increasing their net worth.  Hanley also co-facilitates classes that are focused on assisting people connect and grow into their next level of potential. As a child of divorce, Hanley is very committed to helping families make choices to provide for the well-being of both of the people involved in the divorce as well as the children. Wade has a daughter whom he successfully co-parents. Wade holds a BA in Communications, an MA in Spiritual Psychology and is a published author.

Fairway Divorce Solutions replaces the traditional way of divorce by offering couples an independent negotiated resolution process that reduces costs, time, stress, and protects children with financial and parenting experts. The process is different than mediation—it helps determine what is fair, not just facilitating discussion. It also reduces stress among couples and allows them to negotiate without face-to-face meetings.

For more information about Fairway Divorce Solutions in Sacramento, visit their Web site at www.fairwaydivorce.com/sacramento or call 877-770-FAIR (3247).
About Fairway Divorce Solutions®

Established in 2006, Fairway Divorce Solutions provides an alternative to the traditional system of divorce with a new divorce model that saves money, time, stress, and protects children. Charging a flat fee, Fairway Divorce Solutions uses a commonsense, step-by-step, proven approach called The Fairway Process^tm. The Company is growing rapidly with franchises throughout Canada, and is expanding in the U.S. www.fairwaydivorcefranchise.com

PR Contact
Snapp Conner PR
Clayton Blackham
801.994.9625
clay@snappconner.com  

DIVORCE EXPERT LAUNCHES NEXT FRANCHISE
Fairway Divorce Solutions Opens Franchise in Northern Saskatchewan

Saskatoon, SK, August 11, 2009 – Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. (Fairway), a leading alternative divorce solutions firm, today announced the expansion to Northern Saskatchewan of the Fairway Divorce Solutions® franchise.  

”We are excited to be offering Northern Saskatchewan a new alternative to divorce. In the traditional system, divorce can be costly, and Fairway offers a strategic step-by-step process with win-win resolutions that saves time, money, stress and protects the children,” said Karen Stewart, President and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions.

Franchisee ready to start helping Kelowna residents through divorce

Calgary, AB, August 6, 2009- Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. (‘Fairway’), a leading alternative divorce solutions firm, today announced the opening of its ninth franchise in Kelowna, British Columbia.  

Fairway offers a first-of-its-kind alternative to the traditional system of divorce by using a new divorce paradigm. The Fairway Process™ uses a common sense, step-by-step proven approach that saves people money, time, and stress, while protecting the children.

“It’s exciting to see the doors open up in our second office in British Columbia,” said Karen Stewart, President and CEO, Fairway Divorce Solutions®. “The typical divorce process is extremely stressful, can last several months and up to several years. It is always tough on all parties involved. I know that the residents of Kelowna will be appreciative of a process that aims to offset these characteristics.”

Fairway Divorce Solutions sells its 9th Franchise

Calgary, AB, June 24, 2009- Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd. (‘Fairway’), a leading alternative divorce solutions firm, is fulfilling its plans of expanding with the announcement today of the opening of a franchise in Kelowna, British Columbia.  

“We started franchising about a year ago and have since seen several offices open in this short time. This clearly demonstrates that people want an alternative to the traditional divorce system, and that they recognize and appreciate the value in The Fairway Process™,” said Karen Stewart, President and CEO, Fairway Divorce Solutions®. “I am so touched to be able to offer individuals an improved and proven system for divorce at a very difficult time in their lives.”

The newest franchise was purchased by Wes Stevenson, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. “I recognize that divorce negatively affects families on so many levels, so I am glad to be a part of the Fairway family and to be able to help change the way people see and approach this process,” said Stevenson. “I am excited for the doors to open in August, and to be able to offer this improved system to the residents of Kelowna.”

DIVORCE EXPERT RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Karen Stewart, Founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, to be May’s Woman of Vision

Calgary, AB, May 4, 2009 – Global Calgary in partnership with the YWCA of Calgary today selected Canadian divorce expert Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, Ltd., a leading alternative divorce solutions firm, to be its May 2009 Woman of Vision.

“It’s wonderful to be acknowledged as a Woman of Vision for my work in the divorce field,” said Stewart. “After suffering through my own emotionally draining divorce complete with a half-a-million dollar price tag, I knew that I needed to find a better way to offer others what the traditional divorce system couldn’t offer me.”

Presented during the 6 p.m. news on the first Monday of each month, Global’s Woman of Vision celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding female Calgarians who have implemented their passion and whose dedication and actions are inspiring. 

The popular feature has profiled dozens of women over the past several years, and their stories serve as an inspiration to other women who are also making tough career choices. “I am deeply honoured to be included in such a category,” added Stewart.

Click here to listen to Karen Stewart's latest interview on Calgary's CJSW show: Ya, What She Said.

Click here to view Bryan Buljat, the owner of Divorce Solutions in San Diego, as he speaks about the business and how his office is changing the way divorce happens.

Karen Stewart speaks on Stampede and Divorce 

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The Calgary Stampede is hitting its stride. 4 days in, and it’s bringing out the crowds. Most are just looking to have a good time, but not for all. According to divorce experts, divorce inquires rise abut 30 % after the event wraps up. Why the rise in interest? Do couples need to worry about their partners attending stampede, and can it be prevented? Joining us for this discussion is Karen Stewart, President and CEO of Fairway Divorce Solutions.  

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CTV Toronto - Interview with Karen

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on Global Television as the Woman of Vision for May 2009.  This was a great honor for Karen.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on Shaw TV to discuss her journey towards opening Fairway Divorce.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on CTV News to discuss the increase in stress levels of divorcing couples in this recession and gives tips on how to decrease this stress.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on Global TV to discuss what impact the recession has had on the divorce statistics and whether people are touching it out to save assets in this current economy.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on CHC News to discuss alternative divorce solutions.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on City TV for Breakfast Television to discuss how to Divorce with Dignity.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on CP 24 to take live questions from a call in audience on how to deal with divorce.

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Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on CP 24 to discuss pre-nup or no pre-nup.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, discusses Two Strangers and a Wedding from Energy 101.5 and the likely hood of this type of matchmaking ending in divorce.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on Global TV Calgary to discuss "Dating After Divorce"

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on City TV Edmonton to discuss "The Clean Break" and Dating after Divorce for Valentine's Day.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on the program Slice to speak about Fairway and Clean Break.

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on Breakfast Television to discuss the Fairway approach

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on Studio 4 Shaw TV  to discuss the Fairway approach

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on BNN-TV to discuss the Fairway approach

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on City TV to discuss the Fairway approach

Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, appears on Studio 4 Shaw TV  to discuss the Fairway approach