Herman Mediation Services

Are there more beautiful words in the practice of law than a judge saying: “The parties have resolved their case?”

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/meditating-on-mediation/

Much as I like to vary topics in my monthly column, the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election presents too much fodder for comment and is too important to simply let it go.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/the-good-bad-worse-news-to-come-from-the-supreme-court-election/

There are frequent reminders for lawyers in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs and articles on the importance of civility among adversaries. Civility, like all good lessons, should flow from the top down, as children learn from their parents. In law, that means civility starts with the judges and court commissioners.

Read More: https://mkedivorcemediator.com/courts-and-the-legal-field-in-its-entirety-should-choose-civility/

For the last several years, I have noted the dwindling number of family law cases decided by the appellate courts. Last year set a new record low – there were zero family law cases decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/the-age-of-settlement-peace-rather-than-war/

Politics vs. real life. A living wage is a start

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/politics-vs-real-life-a-living-wage-is-a-start/

Looking back: The best and worst of 2022

One of my favorite columns is to review family law cases and legislation from the prior year. It gives me yet another opportunity to express my thoughts on the good and the bad that occurred. Fortunately for me as a columnist, there was enough bad to make this column (hopefully) somewhat entertaining as “good” tends to be boring.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/looking-back-the-best-and-worst-of-2022/

Wisconsin Supreme Court election gets off to ugly start

One of the ugly parts of our legal system is the politics of electing judges. With an election for a Supreme Court justice in 2023, the ugliness has gotten an early start.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-gets-off-to-ugly-start/

Competing rights and interests

On Nov. 6, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Brackeen v. Haaland, a case which presented numerous constitutional and legislative issues regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/competing-rights-and-interests/

Pro se representation comes at a cost

Few recent trials have attracted as much attention in the non-legal world than the Brooks trial in Waukesha.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/pro-se-representation-comes-at-a-cost/

Out of the mouths of babes

While a child of 16 years with a car is going to make his or her own decision about placement, do we really want to give a 7 year old that authority?

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/out-of-the-mouths-of-babes/

A resource for family law cases

Without question, the biggest change in family law in my years of practice is the trend to settle cases rather than litigate. What was once routine has become rare.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/a-resource-for-family-law-cases/

Closing A Law Practice: Not As Simple As It Seems

After 38 years as a family law attorney with Loeb & Herman LLC, I have joined JAMS as a neutral in its Wisconsin office.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/closing-a-law-practice-not-as-simple-as-it-seems/

Batter up for some judicial activism

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/batter-up-for-some-judicial-activism/

FINDING JURORS: We need a way to overcome common concerns about public service

Perhaps the most common question asked of me by friends, neighbors and family regarding the legal system is “How do I get out of jury service?”

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/finding-jurors-we-need-a-way-to-overcome-common-concerns-about-public-service/

CUSTODY AND SERVICE PEOPLE: New law not perfect but does have good elements

The confluence of law and politics does not always equal good policy.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/custody-and-service-people-new-law-not-perfect-but-does-have-good-elements/

The U.S. Supreme Court And Politics

It would be pointless to write a column on the United States legal system and ignore the two significant cases which the court decided this week.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/the-u-s-supreme-court-and-politics/

Courts should serve the public. In particular, parties should be allowed to be divorced without the costs and inconvenience of a public court appearance.

https://mkedivorcemediator.com/courts-meant-to-serve-the-public/