Divorce Settlements May Be Resolved Through Collaborative Law or Mediation
Contact an Albany Family Law Attorney Today
Many couples approach divorce with a desire to resolve property division and child custody concerns amicably and cost-effectively. These couples have acknowledged that their marriages have ended, and wish to formalize the divorce without spending their children's inheritance on legal fees. They do not wish to appear as opponents in family court.
When a divorce is truly uncontested, or when parties do not wish to do battle in court, a collaborative law approach may be the answer. Mediation may also be a path to an expedient resolution of a New York divorce.
Colwell, Colwell & Petroccione, LLP in Albany is a valuable resource for New York residents wishing to bring about a non-combative divorce through collaborative law or through mediation. Our lawyers are available to represent individuals through all phases of these or other types of divorce with the clients' interests as the true focus.
For a free consultation, call 866-377-0285 or contact us online.
Collaborative Law
In a collaborative law 4-way meeting, each spouse attends with his or her own attorney and the divorce settlement is crafted through a team effort of the four people present, without a judge, in private and outside of court. Experts such as accountants and child psychologists may participate. The final document is filed with the court — but the actual discussions are handled privately, perhaps in an attorney's office.
If negotiations break down in a collaborative law setting, both parties must start over again. Traditional divorce litigation remains an option, but only with new lawyers. With this arrangement, all four participants are motivated to bring about a satisfactory resolution.
Divorce Mediation
In mediation, on the other hand, an impartial mediator helps parties craft divorce settlement agreements — and each spouse will also be represented by his or her own lawyer. The attorney is there to advise each person of his or her rights before and during the mediation process.
Traditional Divorce is Very Often the Most Thorough
While collaborative law and mediation sound like friendly processes by their descriptions, in reality parties to divorce often resort to traditional divorce litigation eventually. There are many potential pitfalls along the way to a satisfactory divorce decree or child support order. Regardless of the means of resolving the divorce or child custody settlement, it is essential for an individual to be able to trust his or her attorney to advise on key points and on matters of greatest importance in the long run.
In sum, traditional divorce litigation offers advantages such as the discovery process by which hidden assets are uncovered. Talk to an attorney at Colwell, Colwell & Petroccione, LLP about ways to streamline the marital settlement or child custody dispute resolution process.
You don't risk anything by calling to request a free initial consultation. To schedule yours, call 866-377-0285 or just contact us online.
