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Divorce is a word that most people dont like, but that everybody knows. One thing that is frequently a result of a divorce is the sale of a family home. In a traditional litigated divorce, the home sale can get pretty messy and ugly. The divorcing parties often fight about price, how to show, who will occupy the residence, etc. The outcome many times is not one that maximizes value for the divorcing parties.

Enter a term new to me until today: collaborative divorce, which is a part of collaborative family law. Collaborative law is different than litigation in that the parties dont go to court. The collaborative law process tries to help both sides remain safe and more in control. The collaborative process most often involves a team of neutral parties who work with both sides as guides.

During a collaborative divorce, each party can meet with a team that often involves neutral lawyers, communication specialists and financial advisors. In the beginning of the process, both parties and their attorneys agree that neither party will take an issue to court. Both parties also agree to share information freely, whether it is requested or not. This gets people away from the traditional discovery process. The collaborative divorce process also seeks to protect the interests of all who are affected. This includes both spouses and the children, if there are any.

Collaborative divorce focuses on trying to see that both parties treat each other with mutual respect. This not only benefits both spouses, but also the children, who see their parents treating each other with decency rather than fighting. Another important thing about a collaborative divorce is that keeping it out of court means that the information about the divorce remains private.

When it comes to the sale of the family home, collaborative divorce is much better than a litigated divorce in my opinion. As a REALTOR, dealing with a couple in the middle of a litigated divorce can be terribly difficult. The lack of agreement on price, upkeep of the house and yard, showing the house and the rest of the process can be extremely stressful. Many REALTORS will refuse to take a listing in a litigated divorce situation because it is so stressful.

Selling a home when doing a collaborative divorce is easier on everyone. The husband and wife have already agreed to cooperate. They have the advice of neutral professionals to help them understand the process and agree on terms. These professionals will try to help find a REALTOR who will price and market the home according to the state of the market. In a litigated divorce, some homes are often priced from an emotional point of view rather than seeing what the market is saying.

During a collaborative divorce, the decisions are made by both husband and wife with the help and guidance of neutral parties. It isnt one against the other. The neutral professionals make sure both parties are fully aware of details, options and consequences. They make sure that the husband and wife make mutual decisions that benefit both appropriately. This can help make the sale of a family home, which is hugely emotional anyway, much easier than if the issue was taken to court.

Sam Chapman is an Austin REALTOR who has lived in the Lake Travis and Austin area for 20 years. He is very active in the community and schools as a volunteer. Learn about Austin, TX real estate Visit the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas

Cycling is a sport which offers great fitness, competition, enjoyment and stress relief. However, in order to gain the most out of your cycling it is important to invest in the proper equipment and cycling clothing. It is also very important that your bicycle is set up correctly for you.

Lets run through a list of cycling apparel as a sort of checklist by which you can ensure that you get the most from your cycling. Of course you need a bicycle, and then a helmet, glasses, cycling jersey, padded cycling shorts, gloves, cycling shoes and socks.

When purchasing a bicycle, the first thing you should look at is whether the frame is the right size for you. The size depends upon your height, but also on the length of your upper body. These two factors will determine the height of the frame's seat tube as well as the length of the top tube. Different frame builders often use different angles, resulting in variations in frame proportions. It is best for an expert to assist you personally in ascertaining the correct frame size.

Next you need to make sure that the saddle height is correct, usually allowing for 25 - 30 degrees of bend in the leg when the foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Here again it is advisable that an expert assist you. Other adjustable settings include the length of the stem, the angle of the saddle (which is usually set parallel to the ground) and the fore-aft position of the saddle as it slides on its rails. Once you are fitted properly to your bicycle you can concentrate on kitting yourself out in cycling clothing.

Cycling jerseys (shirts) are made of breathable material and fit snugly so as not to flap around in the wind. On the front the jersey has a zip and at the back it has three pockets in which you can put your spare tube, pump, keys or other items. Cycling shorts made of Lycra and are padded to give more comfort on the saddle. There are cycling shorts with drawstrings around the waist, but many prefer "bib-shorts", which come with straps which run over your shoulders to hold up the shorts. Cycling shorts fit tightly to reduce wind drag.

There are many cycling helmets on the market these days, many of which are highly adjustable. Look for an indication of whether the helmet of your choice meets the standard of the testing authority. A bicycle shop will be able to guide you in your choice, and will probably not sell a helmet which does not comply with safety standards. Make sure that the helmet is adjusted in such a way that it fits comfortably, yet firmly on your head.

A good pair of sports, or cycling glasses, will protect your eyes from both the sun and any insects or other objects which may fly into your eyes while you are cycling. Look for a pair that fit comfortably, provide adequate protection from the wind and give the required UV protection.

For added comfort on the handle bars, try a pair of cycling gloves, these fingerless leather palm padded gloves will also protect your hands should you come a cropper. Then all you need is a pair of ankle high cycling socks and a decent pair of stiff soled cycling shoes. The shoes should have a firm sole in order to reduce the amount of energy lost in the pedal stroke. If your sole is too soft, and your foot bends around the pedal, you are effectively wasting much of the energy your legs are working so hard to transmit into forward motion.

Cycling becomes much more enjoyable when you are able to ride comfortably and safely with the correct cycling gear. As a better prepared cyclist you will be more efficient in your cycling and get much more out of it.

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