Blog
Transformative Insight: How understanding Tax Impacts reduces Conflict immediately
One of the most consistent patterns I see in divorce and conflict resolution is how quickly fear enters the room when finances are involved. Numbers feel permanent. Mistakes feel costly. And tax implications, when not understood, can quietly drive people into rigid positions without them even realizing it. This is why clarity is central to […]
From transactional to transformative: What Clients gain when Divorce goes beyond “the Deal”
When people first come to me during divorce or conflict, they often believe the goal is simple: get through it. Finalize the documents. Meet the deadlines. Reach a deal that allows life to move forward. I understand that instinct. I have lived close to conflict myself, both personally and professionally. I also know that focusing […]
A Christmas Message of Hope
This time of year has a way of bringing both softness and ache to the surface. Christmas lights glow in windows, families gather, and traditions unfold—but for many, the season also carries memories of hardship, loss, and transition. I know this intimately. My own journey through two divorces, years of separation, and the deep work […]
Navigating extended Family Expectations after Divorce: Finding Ease, Boundaries, and new Ways to connect
Holidays can feel especially stressful after divorce, when extended family members still hold ideas about how things “should” look. Their intentions are often loving, but their expectations may no longer fit your family’s reality. The good news: clear boundaries and thoughtful communication can help the season feel calmer, more intentional, and even more meaningful. Why […]
Creating new Traditions: Reimagining the Holidays after Divorce
The holidays often arrive carrying a bundle of expectations. Some joyful, some heavy, and many shaped by the past. After divorce, families may find that old traditions no longer fit the way they once did. Kids grow, family systems shift, and what once felt warm can suddenly feel complicated or even painful. Yet this moment […]
Managing Holiday Emotions with Compassion
Normalizing grief, navigating family gatherings, and caring for your emotional well-being The holiday season often brings a mix of emotions—nostalgia, hope, stress, and sometimes sadness or uncertainty. For anyone moving through divorce, co-parenting, family transitions, or simply a challenging year, the holidays can stir feelings that are tender and complex. These emotions are not only […]
Who Does What in Divorce: Understanding the Key Roles
(Therapist vs. Financial Advisor vs. Lawyer vs. Mediator vs. Divorce Coach vs. Financial Neutral) Divorce can feel like you’re trying to assemble a team without knowing the rules of the game. Each professional has a distinct role. Knowing who does what can save you time, money, and emotional energy. Therapist: Emotions, patterns, and healing Supports […]
Why the Collaborative Team makes Divorce easier
One of the most powerful parts of collaborative divorce is the team approach. Instead of facing everything alone, you have a group of caring professionals walking alongside you and your family. Each person brings their own strengths, so you are supported in every area that matters most. Your Attorneys: Steady Legal Guides Divorce comes with […]
Collaborative Divorce vs. Mediation: What’s the Difference?
Both mediation and collaborative divorce keep families out of court. What’s different is the level of support. When people first learn there are alternatives to a traditional courtroom divorce, one of the first questions I hear is: “What is the difference between collaborative divorce and mediation?” It’s a great question, because while both processes are […]
Collaborative Divorce: Choosing Growth over Battle
When my own marriages ended, I learned firsthand that divorce is never just about paperwork or dividing assets. It shakes the foundation of who you thought you were, what you believed about family, and how you imagined your future. For a long time, I carried the weight of guilt, shame, and fear—believing that leaving meant […]
Divorce Timing and your 2025 Tax Filing: What you need to know!
When it comes to divorce, timing matters and not just for your emotional well-being or life plans. The date your divorce decree is signed also has a big impact on how you’ll file your taxes. With 2026 right around the corner, it’s worth taking a closer look now so you can plan ahead. Why the […]
Diana Telfer Named to 2025 Utah Super Lawyer List
We are pleased to announce that Diana Telfer, founder of Telfer Family Law & Mediation, has been selected to the 2025 Utah Super Lawyers® list. This honor is especially meaningful because no more than five percent of attorneys in the state are recognized with this distinction. About Super Lawyers® Super Lawyers®, part of Thomson Reuters, […]
Protecting Your Wealth in Divorce: 7 Essential Tips for Professional Women
Divorce is one of the most challenging life transitions, and for professional women, the stakes can be especially high. Whether you are a business owner, an executive, or a high-earning professional, safeguarding your financial future is critical. Understanding your rights and taking proactive steps can help you navigate the divorce process with confidence and security. […]
How to Avoid Draining Your Finances in Divorce: Smart Strategies for Women
Divorce is not just emotionally taxing; it can also take a serious financial toll if not handled carefully. For women, the financial stakes can be even higher, especially when balancing career changes, care-giving responsibilities, and long-term financial security. The good news? There are ways to protect your finances while still achieving a fair and equitable […]
Divorce and Family Businesses: Navigating the Challenges
Family businesses often face unique challenges, especially when personal relationships, such as marriages, dissolve. Divorce can significantly impact both the personal and professional dynamics within a family-run enterprise. Drawing from James Grubman’s insights in Strangers in Paradise: How Families Adapt to Wealth Across Generations, we can explore how families navigate these challenges and adapt to […]
Why I Love Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Recently, I came across a New York Times opinion article by Lara Bazelon titled “Divorce Can Be an Act of Radical Self-Love.” Bazelon, a professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law, shares her divorce experience, and her reflections deeply resonated with my own experiences—both personally and professionally. Competing Roles. Bazelon’s account highlights […]
How To Thrive During The Holidays With A Blended Family
As a mother of two, stepmother of five, and a previous stepmother of five children, I understand firsthand how challenging holidays can be in a blended family. Bringing together two different family cultures is no small feat, and it can be overwhelming to create meaningful holiday memories for everyone involved. In my family law practice, […]
5 Tips for Creating Holiday Parenting Plans that Support Families
Holidays can bring unique challenges for divorced and separated families, as I experienced firsthand with my own children. Their father and I were separated for seven years before finalizing our divorce, and without a formal parenting plan, we relied on conversations to arrange holidays. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were especially challenging holidays for our family […]
The Art of Mediation: Navigating Conflict with Skill and Empathy
In a world where conflicts are as common as they are inevitable, mediation emerges as a beacon of hope. Unlike traditional litigation, which often exacerbates disputes and entrenches adversarial positions, mediation offers a collaborative path to resolution. This blog piece delves into the essence of mediation, its benefits, and why it might be the ideal […]
Navigating New Norms: A Guide to “Our Family in Two Homes” Workbook
When families experience separation or divorce, it often creates a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments, particularly for children who may find themselves shuttling between two homes. In these situations, finding the right resources to support kids through such transitions becomes crucial. One valuable tool that I use that is designed for this purpose is the […]