My Career Change News—The Next Exciting Steps!
I have been practicing Family Law for over 42 years. After witnessing some particularly tragic experiences in family court, I began practicing Collaborative Law.
About Open Palm Law
Madi’s Mentors
Madi’s Mentors My mother, a real estate agent trying to stay afloat after the housing bubble crashed in 2008, had no income, a malfunctioning Ford Explorer, and an eight-month-old baby at home when my dad left her. At the same time, my father emptied our bank account without telling her, so our phone kept ringing, …
I’ve Had A Day
I’ve Had A Day Today marks the nth day in my frustrations as a human being, i.e., “I’ve had a day.” Before I even finished breakfast, one of our office tenants had notified us that the pavers had blocked off our parking lot, showing up this morning, instead of over the weekend, as promised. Beth …
Austin’s Best Mentor
Austin’s Best Mentor When asked to describe what a “mentor” is or does, I’d be quick to respond with Merriam-Webster’s definition, “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher,” or perhaps its second meaning, “an influential senior sponsor or supporter.” Whichever you choose, both serve well as analytic explanations, but, for me, a “mentor” can only …
Breathe
First published on the My Collaborative Team blog on May 1st, 2020 Breathe Trust me, you can’t escape it. By it, I mean . . . well, you know . . . it. Coronavirus! In the past two months, I’ve grown to accept that media, all over the world, is focused on it. After pouring …
Unique
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. -Martha Graham When I was a little girl, my best friend, who lived two doors down, was named Robin Robinson. We were …
Fastest Verdict
Another reason why collaborative divorce is a great idea. No surprises. When a jury or judge hears a case and will make a decision that might impact you for the rest of your life, the outcome is never predictable. You’ve all heard the old saw “It all depends on what the judge had for breakfast,” …
The Best Smoking Gun Story
I believe in the collaborative dispute resolution process. But don’t get me wrong; I LOVE trial work. Some parties will never be transparent, and it’s so much fun to pit your wits against theirs! I once represented a couple who had purchased a truck stop just off the interstate. The exit practically hand delivered customers …
The Most Important Thing to Know about Divorce Court
In my book, War or Peace, I tell the stories of what happened in court on my watch. Here is what happens when you ask a judge, who doesn’t know you or your kids, or share your values, to make decisions that will impact you for the rest of your lives. John Hammond was nineteen when …
The Most Important Thing to Know about Divorce Court Read More »
I’ve been served!
We’ve all watched legal TC shows and seen the process server knock on the door and announce dramatically, “you’ve been served!” while thrusting a sheaf of paperwork at the defendant. I’m a family lawyer, so, like most attorneys, I know that I never want to sue or be sued. I know better than to “go …
