The Lawson Family

Please note: While this case study highlights select issues we helped the couple resolve, we assisted them in resolving all aspects of their divorce negotiations.

** Names and identifying details have been altered to maintain client confidentiality. **

Specific Challenges:

Christine's role required extensive travel, often away from home for two weeks each month.

Matt, while based in the Chicagoland area, frequently worked at client locations, sometimes two hours from home. This made it challenging to manage childcare and school pickups.

Both Maria and Connor struggled in school and required therapy for anxiety.

 

Recognizing the Need for Change

The Lawsons realized their lifestyle was unsustainable and wanted to make a change for the benefit of their children.

Despite their high incomes affording them financial freedom, the Lawsons recognized that divorce would inevitably increase expenses without generating additional revenue. They had grown accustomed to unrestricted spending, which obscured their true financial picture.

To address this, I guided the couple through an extensive budgeting analysis, to examine their marital lifestyle.

This comprehensive exercise was crucial in unveiling their actual spending patterns.

 

Understanding the Financial Picture

The results were eye-opening.

Due to their hectic schedules, the Lawsons were spending approximately $4,000 monthly on food delivery services. They also allocated about $2,000 per month on children's entertainment activities. Therapy deductibles for the kids amounted to $1,200, and childcare costs reached $1,600 monthly for after-school supervision until 7 pm.

These four categories alone totaled $105,600 annually, an unsustainable amount once they separated households.

 

Planning for the Future

Next, I had the Lawsons estimate their future spending, with the initial assumption they would maintain a similar lifestyle post-divorce.

This exercise revealed an annual shortfall of $60,000 between them, highlighting the need to curtail their spending.

 

Implementing a Parallel Parenting Plan

The couple acknowledged the toll their absenteeism was having on the children. They both wanted to be more engaged parents, despite the possibility it might hamper their careers.

To address these issues, a parallel parenting plan was negotiated.

This approach provided a clear schedule for when each parent is solely responsible for childcare during their designated time, allowing the off-duty parent to focus on work without interruptions.

Parallel parenting offered several benefits including:

• It would establish a clear framework for post-divorce parenting.
• It would eliminate assumptions about parental availability.
• It would allow these parents to confidently commit to work responsibilities during their off-duty time.
• It would help manage work-life balance and potentially advance careers.

Mediation as a Catalyst for Positive Change

While divorce is often viewed negatively, for the Lawsons, it served as a wake-up call. Through our mediation process, they recognized the impact their careers and lifestyle were having on their family.

My specialized skills enabled me to navigate complex discussions, craft creative parenting solutions, and provide informed financial guidance.

This comprehensive approach addressed the couple’s shared interests, ultimately resulting in improved relationships with their children, and a financially sound agreement for the couple.

This case illustrates how a divorce, when navigated with empathy and mutual respect, can foster positive transformations for the entire family.

Other Case Studies:

• Divorce after a Long-Term Marriage
• Business Owners
• Gray Divorce
• High Asset Divorce
• Divorce Involving Employee or Owner of Equity-Backed Start-Ups

Where We Practice:

• California
• Illinois
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• Michigan