I offer three approaches to resolve family law issues: litigation, mediation and collaboration. Every family situation is unique. I am here to help you determine which approach will help you accomplish your goals and best position you for the years to come.
San Francisco Lawyer for Mediation, Collaboration and Litigation
For a free 30-minute consultation on how mediation and collaboration with an experienced attorney at law can help you transition through divorce in a healthy, proactive way, call me toll free at 866-470-8384 or at 415-503-9653. You can also contact me by e-mail.
California Family Law Approaches
Mediation: Honest and Effective Negotiation
In mediation, you and your spouse work with a trained facilitator who will provide the structure in which both of you reach your own divorce terms. Those terms form the basis of a contract, which, when submitted to the court, becomes part of your divorce judgment.
This approach tends to be the most expeditious and least costly. It presumes, however, a capacity in you and your spouse to negotiate honestly and effectively with each other.
Collaboration: Reaching Consensus as a Team
In collaboration, you and your spouse meet in a neutral setting with your attorneys and resolve outstanding issues. Before your first joint meeting, all participants agree that they will resolve all matters outside of court. Should the collaboration fall apart, either party may go to court, but both lawyers must withdraw.
The collaboration process includes experts who coach the parties on issues of financial analysis and planning, child development, and healthy ways to exit a relationship.
Litigation: Sometimes Your Best and Only Choice
From more than 25 years' experience trying divorce cases, I know that some family law issues can only be resolved in court. Based on my experience, I can attest that this approach is costliest on every level, but some issues cannot be resolved through either negotiation or collaboration and must be presented to a judge for final determination.
In such circumstances, it is always my goal to manage a case as economically as possible and to look for every opportunity to settle issues short of trial.
To learn more about which approach might be best for you, call the Law & Mediation Office of Sara MacDwyer at 415-503-9653 or toll free at 866-470-8384. You can also contact me by e-mail.
