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Amicable Divorce Podcast - Neena Saxena

Tracy Moore-Grant, the Amicable Divorce Podcast host and founder of the Amicable Divorce Network, engages in a meaningful conversation about Diversity in Divorce with Neena Saxena, alternative dispute resolution mediator and attorney at her firm, Patterson Moore and Butler in Forsyth County, Georgia.

In this episode, they discuss the challenges faced by people of diverse cultural backgrounds in the family court system and explore how cultural differences can impact divorce proceedings. Neena stresses the importance of self-advocacy, and shares practical tips for people navigating divorce to better communicate their cultural and religious preferences with their legal representatives.

Highlights of their discussion include:

  • Exploring the key cultural impacts on divorce proceedings and the fear of misrepresentation by predominantly Western legal professionals
  • Providing practical strategies for cultural competence in legal representation
  • Examining how cultural practices can become contentious and their effects on divorce
  • Managing religious and cultural practices in parenting plans post-divorce

“Often I find my clients of different origin who are not originally from the US or have immigrated here struggle to voice what is important to them culturally or religiously. They’re afraid to voice their needs because they may be unheard or misunderstood.”

-Neena Saxena, Attorney at Patterson Moore Butler and Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator

Neena advocates for the need to find attorneys who understand cultural and religious backgrounds, especially in divorce cases. She stresses the importance of finding an attorney who listens and understands these needs to ensure effective representation. Neena also highlights the value of incorporating cultural practices into parenting plans. She points out that practices like co-sleeping can become contentious in Western divorces, often leading to unnecessary conflict. Neena emphasizes that Western legal professionals might misinterpret these cultural norms due to a lack of familiarity and advises clients to educate their attorneys about their cultural practices and ensure that parenting plans accommodate their specific holidays and customs.

“If your attorney is of a different ethnicity than you, then you need to be your own advocate and state what is important to you whether it’s religious, holidays, living in a joint family, etc. It’s important to take a minute and think about what your life will look like in 3 years and what aspects of your culture and religion do you want to be a part of your new family unit?”

-Neena Saxena

To listen to the full episode and learn more about the how cultural differences can impact divorce proceedings, click here.

Follow the Amicable Divorce Podcast here.

The Amicable Divorce Network brings together legal, financial, and other professionals committed to guiding individuals through the divorce process with dignity and minimal conflict. Through collaboration and a non-adversarial approach, the network empowers clients to navigate divorce while prioritizing mutual respect and well-being.

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