Entries by Randall Poff

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FAQ – Spring 2023

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) I’m worried that my partner might not be fair to me in the divorce process. How can we try to work together in a peaceful process but still make sure I am taking care of myself? Divorce is stressful and scary so your question is a very typical one. You (and […]

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Can Divorce be Easy?

First, a couple of definitions:   Amiable Divorce: You discuss, you negotiate, and you agree about children/parenting, support and finances/property.   Difficult Divorce: You tried, but you can’t agree on some or all of the key issues.   Emotionally, psychologically, socially ending a marriage or domestic partnership can be very difficult indeed. Add the hot-button […]

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Collaborative Strengths

Strengths of Collaborative Divorce One of the strengths of Collaborative Divorce is that it permits ownership and control of settlement process by the people most impacted by the settlement – the couple! The process responds to YOUR agenda, not the agenda of a lawyer or a judge or some other third party. So – with […]

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Video ~ Collaborative Divorce : A Safe Place

A Safe Place Watch this video, Collaborative Divorce: A Safe Place, and follow the true-life story of one couple going through their own collaborative divorce. Collaborative Divorce: A Safe Place is a twenty minute YouTube video produced by the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) and used by permission.   To learn more about the Collaborative Divorce process, […]

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Collaborative Divorce Knowledge Kit

Is Collaborative Divorce right for you? Download your free knowledge kit quickly and easily. This free information packet was created by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) as a tool to educate you both about Collaborative Divorce. The PDF format can safely be downloaded onto your hard drive and emailed, or it can be […]

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Why Mediation?

. . .why not just “ask the judge?” Mediation is a confidential process for resolving disputes. A neutral professional mediator assists the parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of their issues. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions, but assists people in sharing information, identifying goals and discussing options. Mediation offers a very cost-effective and […]

T. Boone Pickens Tells How to Save Millions on Divorce

T. Boone Pickens was one of the featured presenters at a collaborative law conference in Texas. Following his talk with the group, he gave an entertaining and enlightening interview to the Dallas Business Journal — it’s written up here. Mr. Pickens used Collaborative Divorce in his recent parting of ways from his fourth wife, Madeleine. The energy tycoon said the collaborative […]

Mediation as an Option

Is Mediation a good Option for us?   Mediation is a way of resolving a dispute with the help of an impartial person (the mediator). The neutral mediator helps both of you discuss personal concerns and, if possible, reach a voluntary agreement. The mediator helps you both think about your individual needs and interests, clarify […]

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Pro Bono Spotlight

James O’Connor Pro Bono Spotlight From the Multnomah Lawyer, January 2019 Volume 65, Number 1 by Anthony Blake YLS Pro Bono Committee Early in life, James O’Connor realized he had an overarching desire to help people. He went to Georgetown Law School with the intent of using the law as a tool for change. After […]

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IACP Forum, Seattle

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals ~ Forum 19th Annual Networking and Educational Event October 25 to October 28, 2018 The Westin Seattle, WA Several of your Bridges Divorce professionals are back from the world collaborative conference in Seattle, Washington. IACP is the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, an international community of legal, mental health and […]

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Robin Williams on Conflict

Robin Williams (1951-2014) demonstrates CONFLICT with his Sesame Street friends Collaborative Divorce is so much more than simply negotiating out-of-court. Robin Williams used the collaborative divorce process and is said to have maintained an outstanding relationship with his ex wife. Said Williams during his 2008 divorce, “We will strive to be honest, cooperative and respectful as […]

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2011 Oregon Legislature Repeals 90-day Waiting Period

Prior to January 1, 2012, Oregon law seemed to prevent “a quickie-divorce.” There was a 90-day waiting period between starting a divorce and time of trial or judgment. The waiting period had been in effect since 1971, when Oregon adopted “no-fault” divorce. I think the legislators included this provision as a sort of “cooling-off” period, […]

IACP Forum, San Francisco

October 27-30, 2011 Westin St. Francis / San Francisco Your Bridges Divorce professionals are back from the conference in San Francisco. IACP is the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, an international community of legal, mental health and financial professionals working in concert to create client-centered processes for resolving conflict. Vision Transform how conflict is resolved […]

This American Life

Let no court put asunder…. Originally aired 8.24.2007 339: Break-Up Act Three. Let No Court Put Asunder. Ira talks with divorce mediator Barry Berkman about why it’s bad when the justice system gets involved in a break-up. (8 minutes) Barry is a member of The New York Association of Collaborative Professionals. © 1995-2016 Ira Glass […]

Randall Poff, JD ~ Family Mediator

Why I do this work?  The one constant in my work is that each family is different. My practice:  As a retired attorney, I still help with Mediation and support my colleagues in Collaborative Divorce, on occasion! My primary goal has always been to help my clients get through a difficult time in their lives with […]