Understanding and Experienced Counsel From a Certified Family Law Specialist
Divorce is challenging at best — it has the potential to bring out the worst in people. Alternative methods to divorce litigation such as mediation and collaborative divorce are less contentious by nature and can save money and preserve relationships as a result.
A trained mediator and Certified Specialist in Family Law, Claudia Silverman encourages clients to consider alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate. Ms. Silverman is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).
Contact our Mammoth Lakes collaborative law attorney online or call us at 760-965-4009 to schedule an appointment.
Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Collaborative family law is a low-conflict alternative to traditional contested divorce litigation that focuses on seeking creative and mutually satisfactory solutions. To reach a collaborative resolution, parties and their attorneys begin with a written agreement to collaborate. They will then jointly employ trained collaborative professionals including forensic accountants and counselors to assist them through the process.
Collaborative law can be used to resolve all issues arising out of divorce, including:
- Property division
- Spousal support (alimony) and child support
- Issues arising from domestic partnerships
- Other family law matters
The collaborative process is particularly useful in matters that will involve ongoing and continuing relationships between the parties.
However, collaborative law is not likely to be successful or appropriate in marriages that have been troubled by domestic violence, mental illness, emotional abuse, or where the parties do not respect or trust each other in general. If collaboration is unsuccessful, the parties are required to resort to traditional litigation, and delay in resolution may result.
Mediation is a commonly used alternative to court litigation. A mediator is a trained neutral, often a psychologist or experienced attorney, who assists the parties in reaching a voluntary and mutually agreeable result over issues that may arise at any time during the court proceeding.
When used to resolve issues of division of assets and debts or other complex issues, the parties' attorneys may be involved in the mediation sessions. In mediation over less complex issues, the parties often attend mediation on their own, but then have their attorneys review and approve the mediated agreement.
Inyo and Mono County Child Custody Lawyer
Mediation and collaborative law are especially helpful when there are children involved in a divorce — helping to keep their interests and well-being a priority in matters involving:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Parenting plan coordination
- Relocation
Contact Us at Our California Divorce Law Firm
To set up a meeting to discuss your family law matters, contact our Inyo and Mono County divorce mediation attorney online or call us at 760-965-4009. We are available to meet with you weekdays from 9 am until 5 pm. Evening and weekend consultations are available upon request. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are welcome.
