Posts by galeallison
How often is employment discrimination mediated instead of handled in court?
Dear Ms. Allison: Our company is involved in an employment discrimination lawsuit – hiring practices. I wonder whether mediation would really resolve things faster and at less cost. How often is mediation successful in these issues, rather than having the force of a court order to force the issue? CR in North Texas Dear CR:…
Read MoreBringing outside talent into a family business succession debate?
Dear Ms. Allison: My family is fighting over where to go next with our mid-sized company. We want to grow and some of us think we should bring in executives from outside the family to get a better perspective and add to our current skills. Others are afraid that letting in “outsiders” will lose control…
Read MoreMediation and Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma
Dear Ms. Allison: I feel so stupid. My husband has told me for years that we cannot get a divorce because Oklahoma doesn’t have “no-fault” divorce. His reasoning has been that one of us (at least) would have to have the fault and it can’t be him because of his business, so he is “protecting”…
Read MoreMediating a Partner Dispute about Business Succession
Dear Ms. Allison: My employers have come to a standoff. They no longer speak except behind closed doors. They seem unaware that we can all hear them angrily yelling back there. About 16 months ago, I was asked for some managers’ employee evaluations and information on business succession (I do the HR stuff). Things seemed…
Read MoreWho can clients invite to divorce mediation?
Dear Ms. Allison: We want to do mediation instead of divorcing in court. We don’t want lawyers and judges interfering with our arrangements. But my friend said we have to have lawyers and maybe other people involved as well. And no matter what we mediate, we still have to go to court. What? Why even…
Read MoreCan we mediate family struggle over caregiving for veteran brother?
Dear Ms. Allison: Me, my parents and siblings are frequently arguing over care for my brother, a wounded veteran (Iraq). He is paraplegic, not able to use his legs but able to use his arms, so he can help himself somewhat. Still he needs 24-hour care. When he can no longer live with my parents…
Read MoreShould my possibly divorcing parents update their Trust?
Dear Ms. Allison: So our parents are fighting all the time. It’s about many things, but one of the issues is their Trust. They did a Trust years ago when my mom was pregnant with my brother and I was 2 years old. From what they are screaming at each other, it seems they have…
Read MoreWhat can I do if my lawyer walked out of my mediation?
Dear Ms. Allison: Is there responsibility to make it up to me if my lawyer walks out of my mediation?…
Read MoreHow large can a Trust become before it is taxable by the federal government?
Dear Ms. Allison: How large can a Trust become before it is taxable by the federal government and is there such a thing as a Sub-Trust or Smaller Trust outside the original? Thanks, PT in NE Oklahoma Dear PT: Your question is difficult to answer due to the many different taxes that could attach and…
Read MoreCan a stepparent leave everything to a stepchild in her will?
Dear Ms. Allison: My stepmom passed away and left everything to me in her will. She has two sisters contesting the will. A lawyer told me that it’s possible I could get nothing cause I’m considered a stranger. Also said the judge would decide who gets what. Is this true? If so what’s the purpose…
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