Collaborative Family Law is a family law specialty which now enables us to offer our clients an effective way to avoid going to court and all that the adversarial process entails - threats, demands, court hearings and trials, resources expended in battle and results which leave a residue of hurt, anger and cynicism. Instead, our clients in Collaborative Family Law proceedings find a civilized, respectful, positive and effective way to resolve the admittedly difficult issue of divorce. They gain much in the process, not the least of which is a settlement that they and their former spouse have designed for themselves and which they have both endorsed as being appropriate for each of them.

Please look at the material here and on the other pages of this site and call one of us for further information and a consultation to determine whether the Collaborative Family Law process is a suitable way for you and your spouse to find an effective resolution without having to run the gauntlet of the adversarial court system.

Important features of the Collaborative Family Law process:

• Private and Confidential
  Since the proceedings are held in private, the details of an individual case are not part of the public record.
   
• No Court
  Everyone can focus on settlement without the imminent threat, formality, and added expense of court.
   
• Cooperative Approach
  Each is supported and represented by their own lawyer and yet you work collaboratively with your spouse and your spouse's lawyer in resolving your issues.
   
• Creative
  This non-adversarial process allows the two of your to be more creative than the inflexible court process.
   
• Win-Win Climate
  The atmosphere of integrity and full disclosure creates a climate that makes win-win solutions more likely.
   
• Clients in Charge
  You are a vital part of the settlement team consisting of both parties and both attorneys. You control the proceedings rather than being controlled by a system that does not understand your needs, feelings and perceptions.
   
• Faster
  The Collaborative Family Law procedure can be much less time consuming than litigation in the adversarial system.
   
• Child Sensitive
  A non-adversarial atmosphere creates an environment for a more positive resolution for parents and children, too. A major focus of the collaborative process is addressing the needs of the children without exposing them to the detrimental court system. Children are protected. Central to this process are meetings with selected legal, financial and mental health professionals to resolve the issues presented by your family needs.
   
• Four Party Conferences
  While no two cases, clients or lawyers are alike, the emphasis in the approach is to find a way in which the lawyers can work with the parties. This occurs in a conference room outside of the court.
   
• Collaborative Family Law Professionals Are Uniquely Trained
  Collaborative Family Law Professionals are are uniquely trained family law lawyers who have undergone a training program in non-adversarial dispute resolution. They are taught to understand the special needs of couples and families seeking an alternative means to conflict resolution. Creative mediation techniques are employed and sensitivity to personal and family needs are considered. When appropriate, specialists such as family therapists, business and property appraisers, and forensic accountants assist in the process to assure a satisfactory outcome for all parties.