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PDF![It took attorney Michelle MacDonald 25 years to recognize that the way attorneys and courts break up families is beyond-a-reasonable-doubt objectionable. Alongside her clients, other attorneys, mediators and professionals, Michelle founded FAMILY INNOCENCE, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping families out of the adversarial court process. Within a year of her calling to eliminate court for families, the Family Innocence Process was created, a unique model where separating or separated family members choose to participate at […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/courtroom.jpg "What is the Family Innocence Process ?")
![The Family Innocence Presents: Resolving Conflicts Takes Practice! Family & Restorative Circle Practices/Orientations are held every other Wednesday . Call to register and verify location. Share a conflict with trained Circle facilitators, or come to observe and learn a way to resolve conflicts on your own: Every other Wednesday at 5:45 PM . Family Innocence Headquarters: 1069 S Robert Street, Suite B W. St. Paul, MN 55118 So we know your coming and to verify […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/conflict.jpg "Resolve a Conflict by having it! Bring your conflict to Family Circle Orientation")
What Do You Stand For?
Hello. It’s attorney Michelle Lowney MacDonald. This year marks the 25th anniversary of my family law practice, my 50 years of being alive, and the 15th anniversary of the movie, Jerry Maguire. Oh, and I became a grandmother. In January, inspired by my clients, my grandson, Jerry Maguire and Pope John Paul II, I wrote a Miracle Mission Statement: Abolish Family Court (as we know it) and Keep Broken Families Out of the Adversary Process.
I invite you to come on this miracle mission with me.
Restorative Circle Mediator Graduation , JANUARY 1, 2020
This remarkable baby can talk non-stop about eliminating court for families. Come to the next meeting and see!Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Congratulations Family Innocence Restorative Circle Mediators Time: Private Location : Private
Questions: Call Family Innocence at 651-783-5878 (Be sure to leave your call back number)
* Food & Beverages Provided. Cash Bar also available
![It’s what I’ve been saying all along… Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice. Traditional forms of achieving “justice” are counterproductive. Let’s implement restorative justice in our homes and families starting now!”—–Michelle MacDonald Media Center for Non-Violence https://mettacenter.org/restorative-justice-animation-resources The Metta Center for Non-Violence is a non-profit organization that encourages people in all walks of life to discover their innate capacity for nonviolence and to use its power strategically for the long-term transformation of […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-28-at-9.35.17-AM-640x250.png "Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice")
Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice
It’s what I’ve been saying all along… Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice. Traditional forms of achieving “justice” are counterproductive. Let’s implement restorative justice in our homes and families starting now!”—–Michelle MacDonald Media Center for Non-Violence https://mettacenter.org/restorative-justice-animation-resources The Metta Center for Non-Violence is a non-profit organization that encourages people in all walks of life to discover their innate capacity for nonviolence and to use its power strategically for the long-term transformation of […]
What's New
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![Christmas Blessings to you, and congratulations to the 24 participants in Family Innocence ‘s 6 day, 40 hour Restorative Circle Mediation Training for Family, developed by its founder, Michelle MacDonald, who aspires to eliminate court for families altogether. This epic faith- based course , which implements a peace- making dialogue, Restorative Justice Circles and a talking piece, isn’t just for divorcing couples: the course is designed to restore relationships through ” be still” moments, listening exercises, […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191222_094305-115x115.jpg "Restorative Circle Mediators- just in time for 2020")
Restorative Circle Mediators- just in time for 2020
Posted on December 23, 2019 | No CommentsChristmas Blessings to you, and congratulations to the 24 participants in Family Innocence ‘s 6 day, 40 hour Restorative Circle Mediation Training for Family, developed by its founder, Michelle MacDonald, who aspires to eliminate court for families altogether. This epic faith- based course , which implements a peace- making dialogue, Restorative Justice Circles and a talking piece, isn’t just for divorcing couples: the course is designed to restore relationships through ” be still” moments, listening exercises, […] -
National Association of Community and Restorative Justice conference
Posted on June 18, 2019 | No CommentsMichelle MacDonald, Tom Shimota, Louisa Hext, Janice Grenadier, Dawn and Brian Nelson and are at the national association of community and restorative justice conference in Denver, Colorado, educating and learning with 1600 others about restorative services in our communities, including family, churches, schools, prisons. Check out : Www.NACRJ.org Call Michelle at 612-554-0932 for more information See photos from the event: Print PDF -
![May 2019 come with an era full of new ideas, a time that is full of Hopes and Blessings that will make our lives better. For those who have had it bad may this new year take them to good place or event better, for those who were blessed and had it good, continue to bless them even better. May 2019 give strength to those who may face any special challenges life brings and the […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/output-copy-115x115.jpg "Happy 2019!")
Happy 2019!
Posted on January 3, 2019 | No CommentsMay 2019 come with an era full of new ideas, a time that is full of Hopes and Blessings that will make our lives better. For those who have had it bad may this new year take them to good place or event better, for those who were blessed and had it good, continue to bless them even better. May 2019 give strength to those who may face any special challenges life brings and the […] -
![It’s what I’ve been saying all along… Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice. Traditional forms of achieving “justice” are counterproductive. Let’s implement restorative justice in our homes and families starting now!”—–Michelle MacDonald Media Center for Non-Violence https://mettacenter.org/restorative-justice-animation-resources The Metta Center for Non-Violence is a non-profit organization that encourages people in all walks of life to discover their innate capacity for nonviolence and to use its power strategically for the long-term transformation of […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-28-at-9.35.17-AM-115x115.png "Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice")
Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice
Posted on November 28, 2018 | No CommentsIt’s what I’ve been saying all along… Here is a video explaining Restorative Justice. Traditional forms of achieving “justice” are counterproductive. Let’s implement restorative justice in our homes and families starting now!”—–Michelle MacDonald Media Center for Non-Violence https://mettacenter.org/restorative-justice-animation-resources The Metta Center for Non-Violence is a non-profit organization that encourages people in all walks of life to discover their innate capacity for nonviolence and to use its power strategically for the long-term transformation of […] -
![Unique Opportunity to Learn Circles! August 9-11, 2018 International Conference on Restorative Practices coming to St. Paul. Hello. It’s Michelle MacDonald! Our family culture seems to go from conflict to attorneys and court. Either that, or they dwell in conflict. But there is a better way used around the country and the world. I call it an authentic, holistic and organic justice —–that can happen before lawyers and courts are ever involved. There is […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/945684_593131154044975_287080695_n-115x115.jpg "Unique Opportunity to Learn Circles! August 9-11")
Unique Opportunity to Learn Circles! August 9-11
Posted on July 25, 2018 | No CommentsUnique Opportunity to Learn Circles! August 9-11, 2018 International Conference on Restorative Practices coming to St. Paul. Hello. It’s Michelle MacDonald! Our family culture seems to go from conflict to attorneys and court. Either that, or they dwell in conflict. But there is a better way used around the country and the world. I call it an authentic, holistic and organic justice —–that can happen before lawyers and courts are ever involved. There is […] -
![Attorney Michelle MacDonald, Barb Zorn and David Bradshaw are the group of lawyers, judges, mediators, mental-health professionals, former Minnesota legislators, and lay-people that have been meeting twice a month for over two years conceptualizing and fine-tuning the Cooperative Private Divorce process, now in it’s final stage. The Family Innocence Process (“FIP”) cooperates perfectly with the Cooperative Private Divorce process, as we educate family members to avoid court, participate in Family Circles, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution , and go to court only […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/microphone-115x115.jpg "At Last, Family Innocence Friendly Legislation – Divorce Without Courts coming soon")
At Last, Family Innocence Friendly Legislation – Divorce Without Courts coming soon
Posted on August 31, 2017 | No CommentsAttorney Michelle MacDonald, Barb Zorn and David Bradshaw are the group of lawyers, judges, mediators, mental-health professionals, former Minnesota legislators, and lay-people that have been meeting twice a month for over two years conceptualizing and fine-tuning the Cooperative Private Divorce process, now in it’s final stage. The Family Innocence Process (“FIP”) cooperates perfectly with the Cooperative Private Divorce process, as we educate family members to avoid court, participate in Family Circles, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution , and go to court only […] -
![At last – Family Innocence Friendly Legislation. The current system assumes an adversarial posture. It needn’t be that way. Check out this editorial by (Judge) Bruce Peterson, and William Doherty (Couples on the Brink Project) http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/296649391.html State Rep. John Lesch and state Sen. Sandy Pappas recently introduced a “cooperative private divorce” bill that creates an administrative pathway to divorce that skips the court system. If most divorces settle out of court and people […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Family-1961.jpg "Divorce without court: A helpful reform")
Divorce without court: A helpful reform
Posted on March 27, 2015 | 1 CommentAt last – Family Innocence Friendly Legislation. The current system assumes an adversarial posture. It needn’t be that way. Check out this editorial by (Judge) Bruce Peterson, and William Doherty (Couples on the Brink Project) http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/296649391.html State Rep. John Lesch and state Sen. Sandy Pappas recently introduced a “cooperative private divorce” bill that creates an administrative pathway to divorce that skips the court system. If most divorces settle out of court and people […] -
![Joshua Hare was homeless, and in legal trouble, when Michelle Lowney MacDonald’s daughter brought him home one Sunday telling him, “My mom can help”. Michelle recognized Joshua from Choir, and asked what happened to his song bird voice. By the time they finished discussing his case, Joshua was singing harmony in the kitchen for Michelle’s husband, Thomas, and offered to put music to words for Family Innocence. Joshua borrowed a pink guitar, from when […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/joshhare-115x115.jpg "Family Innocence Helps Kids Find Their Voice")
Family Innocence Helps Kids Find Their Voice
Posted on November 1, 2014 | 1 CommentJoshua Hare was homeless, and in legal trouble, when Michelle Lowney MacDonald’s daughter brought him home one Sunday telling him, “My mom can help”. Michelle recognized Joshua from Choir, and asked what happened to his song bird voice. By the time they finished discussing his case, Joshua was singing harmony in the kitchen for Michelle’s husband, Thomas, and offered to put music to words for Family Innocence. Joshua borrowed a pink guitar, from when […] -
![Article by: BRUCE PETERSON (Pictured at left: Judge Bruce Peterson…a heart as big as the world) Gov. Mark Dayton has "pocket-vetoed" the watered-down version of the joint child custody legislation promoted for the last decade and has urged the adversaries to collaborate on a bill for next year. The opposing statements that followed on this page ("Kids in the balance," June 1, and "Child-custody bill was problematic," June 13) didn’t sound especially collaborative. We may […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Judge_Peterson-sm-115x90.jpg "Time, perhaps, to get courts out of divorce")
Time, perhaps, to get courts out of divorce
Posted on November 20, 2013 | 1 CommentArticle by: BRUCE PETERSON (Pictured at left: Judge Bruce Peterson…a heart as big as the world) Gov. Mark Dayton has "pocket-vetoed" the watered-down version of the joint child custody legislation promoted for the last decade and has urged the adversaries to collaborate on a bill for next year. The opposing statements that followed on this page ("Kids in the balance," June 1, and "Child-custody bill was problematic," June 13) didn’t sound especially collaborative. We may […] -
![If Restorative Justice Circles can resolve conflicts in communities where people kill, beat, steal, rape, fight, argue, lie, and totally ignore authority — it can undoubtedly transform conflict in our homes. Of course who do you forgive more in a given day than the people you live with? That’s why Family Innocence has implemented Restorative Justice Family Innocence Circles, to facilitate “Soup to Nuts” conflicts in families, separated or together. The process starts by sending […]](http://www.familyinnocence.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/restorative.jpg "Gone Fishing – Family Innocence Reels in Champion Peacemaker, Dominic Barter")
Gone Fishing – Family Innocence Reels in Champion Peacemaker, Dominic Barter
Posted on November 20, 2013 | 1 CommentIf Restorative Justice Circles can resolve conflicts in communities where people kill, beat, steal, rape, fight, argue, lie, and totally ignore authority — it can undoubtedly transform conflict in our homes. Of course who do you forgive more in a given day than the people you live with? That’s why Family Innocence has implemented Restorative Justice Family Innocence Circles, to facilitate “Soup to Nuts” conflicts in families, separated or together. The process starts by sending […]
Events
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Restorative Circle Mediators- just in time for 2020
Posted on December 23, 2019 | No CommentsChristmas Blessings to you, and congratulations to the 24 participants in Family Innocence ‘s 6 day, 40 hour Restorative Circle Mediation Training for Family, developed by its founder, Michelle MacDonald, who aspires to eliminate court for families altogether. This epic faith- based course , which implements a peace- making dialogue, Restorative Justice Circles and a talking piece, isn’t just for divorcing couples: the course is designed to restore relationships through ” be still” moments, listening exercises, […] -
National Association of Community and Restorative Justice conference
Posted on June 18, 2019 | No CommentsMichelle MacDonald, Tom Shimota, Louisa Hext, Janice Grenadier, Dawn and Brian Nelson and are at the national association of community and restorative justice conference in Denver, Colorado, educating and learning with 1600 others about restorative services in our communities, including family, churches, schools, prisons. Check out : Www.NACRJ.org Call Michelle at 612-554-0932 for more information See photos from the event: Print PDF -
Happy 2019!
Posted on January 3, 2019 | No CommentsMay 2019 come with an era full of new ideas, a time that is full of Hopes and Blessings that will make our lives better. For those who have had it bad may this new year take them to good place or event better, for those who were blessed and had it good, continue to bless them even better. May 2019 give strength to those who may face any special challenges life brings and the […]