Collaborative Law

Many parties in the midst of contentious family law disputes seek to avoid the painful and lengthy litigation process which can rip apart families. Not all individuals are equipped emotionally to directly communicate their interests and objectives to the mediator and in front of their spouse, as often necessitated by the mediation process. In such situations, another consensual dispute resolution option is available — collaborative law. An increasingly common and successful approach to divorce, collaborative law makes it possible for spouses to stand up for their own interests without spiraling into the toxic arena of litigation. Collaborative Law can end in an amicable case resolution, but only if motivated, experienced and compassionate attorneys are involved.

An out-of-court process, collaborative law involves a team of professionals, the members of which may vary significantly depending on the specifics of the case. In most collaborative divorces, this team includes financial and child custody experts. These professionals help divorcing spouses come up with practical, meaningful solutions that are in the best interests of the parties and their entire family. In addition to consulting with a team of experts, both parties involved in the collaborative effort are each represented by their own attorney, who can offer insight into the ramifications of any prospective agreements. In lieu of the traditional formal discovery process for obtaining financial information, parties involved in the collaborative law process must agree to be transparent, truthful and willing to share all necessary and material  information that pertains to their case.

Attorneys who practice in collaborative law understand the importance of proactively pursuing their clients’ objectives, but are also committed to achieving resolutions that are amenable to all parties. This can be a difficult balance to strike, but I have the ability to abide by both of the ideals of collaborative law. I serve not only as a passionate advocate for my clients, but also as a guide through the intricacies of the collaborative process. Clients can rest assured, knowing that I will help them achieve a favorable, yet amicable resolution that meets their interests.