Brigitte Schmidt Bell, P.C.

10/04/2022

Most divorce professionals have heard of John Gottman and his work on relationships. Here is a helpful article to share with those clients who are still hoping (against hope?) that they can save their marriage even though they’re already talking to divorce professionals. And in the world of Collaborative and amicable divorce, where I do most of my work, this kind of information is most helpful.

The renowned love researchers have been happily wed for decades. Would following the advice in their new book improve my own relationship?

08/04/2022

In our work in the Collaborative process, we often find that people aren't sure theirs is the answer to the question of how to proceed. Here’s a questionnaire to help you focus your thinking. Reach out to us to let us know how we can help you think through these concepts.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/well/family/relationship-questions.html

After two years of tumult, these essential conversations can help couples talk about what’s working, what’s not and where the relationship is headed.

07/19/2022

This New Yorker article on prenups should be required reading for all family lawyers. In the world of Collaborative professionals, when we create prenups using the Collaborative process, we describe what we do as preventing divorce more than anticipating it.

Younger Americans, especially, have found their own use for prenuptial agreements: protecting their spouses from the worst impulses of the American debt-collection system.

04/29/2022

Brigitte Bell is one of the professional presenters at Divorce University. The event is filled with valuable information and best of all, it is virtual which makes it incredibly convenient.

Divorce University Virtual Conference
May 1st - May 3rd, 2022
Building Resiliency. Together.
Open for Registration
https://hopin.com/events/39th-divorce-university-conference/registration

01/17/2022

Brigitte is one of the panelists discussing Grey divorce during today's Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education session focused on issues of divorce in 2022.

With its unique focus on the intricacies of the financial aspects of divorce, this program features enthusiastic presenters on deep-dive explorations of complex issues and practical strategies that you can use for the benefit of your clients. You simply won’t find a more comprehensive, more engagi...

03/29/2021

As the article below says, filings for divorce are down. That doesn’t necessarily mean that couples and families are doing better–just that there’s so much going on that also dealing with all the financial, emotional, and practical aspects of getting divorced is more challenging when everything else is also unknown and in constant flux. The benefits of Collaborative divorce and mediation include the ability to structure the meetings and the pacing to fit the current reality. Call us to learn about post-nuptial agreements (interim–or permanent) that help you give structure and clarity to the most vexing or difficult relationship issues facing you.


https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/24/style/divorce-rates-dropping.html

Some divorce lawyers and relationship experts said that the uncertainty of the pandemic and financial concerns are two reasons couples are staying together.

03/23/2021

We are proud, once again, to be a Silver Sponsor of Center for Conflict Resolution Chicago's Celebration Week. Brigitte's been involved in many, many ways since 1985 and this organization is near and dear to our practice's heart. You need not be a member of CCR to participate, there is even a fun auction where you can bid on great prizes. Please join us in celebrating this important organization!

03/10/2021

On this page, we have often featured articles about the problems of parental conflict in divorce and how our practice--mediation and the Collaborative process--helps parents find a better way to divorce that protects their children from that conflict. Today’s link instead features the child’s voice, which isn’t heard often enough.

When my parents divorced, I lost the link that held our family together. And then I found it.

11/16/2020

Once again we are proud to be included in the November issue of Newcity. This free magazine is distributed around the city or you can read it online.