Better Ways to Divorce: Collaborative Law and Divorce Mediation

Guiding you to make shared decisions that protect your family's future

Collaborative divorce and mediation are faster, less stressful, more affordable and more dignified alternatives to contested divorce, and they avoid litigation.

With over 20 years of experience in family law and special training in collaborative law (also known as collaborative divorce), I help couples in transition or crisis resolve their personal and financial issues, and regain control over their lives in a dignified, respectful way. I’ll help find your best solution by taking into account your values and overall goals, and together we’ll explore the settlement opportunities available by analyzing key financial and other important information. We’ll work together to achieve the optimal resolution, no matter how complex the issues and emotions, that is in the best interest of the entire family.

My job as a collaborative law attorney and divorce mediator is to facilitate a process you negotiate voluntarily and confidentially with your spouse that meets everyone's needs in a spirit of fairness, caring, and cooperation for the future of each family member, without litigation.

Impact of Divorce

As a family law attorney, I have witnessed the emotional and financial impact the process of divorce can have on battling spouses and their children. Having experienced my clients' stress and heartache for so long, I have come to believe that collaborative divorce and mediation are preferred alternatives to contested divorce for many families.

Superior Alternatives

Divorce mediation and collaborative divorce are faster, saner, more affordable alternative processes to contested divorce.

In a mediated divorce, you and your spouse negotiate your own agreement with the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable facilitator. Rather than battling on your behalf, your attorneys advise you on your legal rights and prepare your final agreement, saving you significant time and money.

In a collaborative divorce, each spouse has his or her own attorney, but the parties work together cooperatively rather than in an adversarial way through four-way discussions.

Throughout mediation or collaborative divorce, you and your spouse are in control of the process, pace, and outcome, helping you put negative feelings aside to find common ground—an important foundation for your ongoing relationship as parents to your children.

A Satisfying Resolution

I facilitate divorce mediations in an impartial environment founded on the highest values of integrity, trust, and openness. An essential part of the mediation process I facilitate is the confidential caucus, which is an individual session with each spouse that gives you an opportunity to express freely and confidentially your needs and concerns. In joint sessions, I’ll help you work together to determine a fair distribution of assets/liabilities and spousal support, and fairly resolve critical issues related to your children, including custody, parenting time, and child support. I’ll prepare an unsigned, non-binding Memo of Understanding that reflects your agreement. Your attorneys will use the Memo of Understanding to prepare your Property Settlement Agreement, the basis for filing and granting your uncontested divorce.

Similarly, integrity, trust, and openness are the foundations of collaborative divorce. Together with your spouse and his or her attorney, we discuss the issues, problem- solve, and negotiate with a shared commitment to reaching a fair settlement for the whole family. Once we reach a mutually agreeable settlement together, your spouse’s attorney and I draft legally binding documents, which are then submitted to the Court and conclude in your uncontested divorce.

When Mediation or Collaborative Divorce Should Be Postponed

In the very early stages of divorce, one spouse may still be overwhelmed by emotions like shock, grief, and victimization over the end of the marriage. Those feelings may make it impossible for that spouse to consider mediation, much less participate in the process, because he or she is simply not ready. When one spouse is in shock, I recommend waiting two to three months before initiating mediation or collaborative divorce to allow both spouses to reach similar positions of acceptance and stability from which to negotiate productively.

When Mediation or Collaborative Divorce Isn't an Option

Under some circumstances, mediation and collaborative divorce are not viable alternatives to contested divorce. Examples include domestic violence, restraining orders, and extreme bitterness. With extensive experience as a family law attorney, I can also capably assist individuals in difficult situations whose divorce must proceed through standard legal channels.