Our services in family matters are in the areas of
(1) Litigation
(2) Mediation
(3) Collaborative Practice

LITIGATION
Divorce litigation involves representation of a client in divorce proceedings, either in filing an action or responding to one.

During litigation, our goal is to educate our client about the law and the legal ramification of each decision they are considering.

We realize that litigation can be very costly, therefore we work with the client to insure that no unnecessary work is performed.

In divorce litigation, we may litigate all issues related to the divorce and will seek to obtain the most favorable and timely outcome for the client.

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MEDIATION
Family mediation involves the amicable resolution of all issues related to the divorce by use of a third party neutral (mediator).

Our responsibilities as a family mediator are to determine all areas of agreement or disagreement, drafting all necessary paper work for filing the divorce, and completing and submitting any written agreements to the court to obtain a final judgment.

During the mediation process, we seek to educate both parties about the law and the legal ramifications of their decisions.

As a mediator we do not represent either party as an advocate and act entirely as a neutral party.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement during the mediation process, they will have to retain other attorneys to represent them in divorce litigation.

All matters discussed during mediation are confidential, subject to the parties agreeing otherwise.

In divorce mediation, we seek to obtain mutually acceptable agreements on all issues related to the divorce and will seek to obtain the most agreeable and timely resolution of the case.

More information: How Mediation Works, The Benefits of Mediation, The Role of the Mediator

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COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE
Resolving Disputes Respectively
Collaborative Law is a process where both spouses and their attorneys commit themselves to resolving differences in a manner acceptable to both parties, without the threat of resorting to the court system or to any form of litigation.

Collaborative Law relies on the commitment of the spouses and their attorneys to exercise honesty, cooperation, professionalism, and integrity in working toward the future well-being of the family.

Collaborative Law uses informal discussions and conferences attended by spouses and their attorneys to settle all issues. Major goals of the Collaborative Law process are to maximize settlement options for the benefit of both parties and children, and to minimize or eliminate the negative economic, social and emotional consequences of litigation.

Collaborative Law requires that each spouse and attorney take a reasoned and reasonable approach to all issues. When interests differ, all participants use their best efforts to create proposals that meet the fundamental needs of both parties, if necessary compromising the issue in order to reach a complete settlement.

Collaborative Law enlists attorneys to help spouses arrive at a fully informed agreement, with confidence that relevant legal issues and ramifications have been explored and addressed.

More information: What are the Advantages of Collaborative Practice? What is the Process of Collaborative Practice? What are the Cost Benefits of Collaborative Practice?

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Divorce litigation doesn't have to be painful.
The divorce process can be amicable and civilized, less stressful and less costly.