Divorce can be scary, no question! Divorce Mediation is an option with many benefits. Stay in control over the result, MUCH cheaper, faster, and less stress for everyone especially kids. Education about the legal issues leads to strategy planning for a global settlement of all issues. Two ways to reach an agreement: Mediation (both parties participating) or Consultation (one party with the other party cooperating) with the focused goal of reaching an agreement to resolve all issues, including property, retirement, kids, and support, with professional document preparation. Free half-hour phone consultation by appointment. Email me for current fee schedule.
This involves my working with BOTH parties to work out the details for a divorce agreement, or for an agreement on any other family law issue. There are two ways this can occur. The only difference is how I am required to handle the "conflict" issue. This is governed by what communications have occurred as of the time you want to start mediation.
Child Support
For example, in a divorce situation, if you and your spouse are in agreement, or you anticipate being in agreement, or you both want to be in agreement but are not sure how to go about working the details out, then my services would be helpful to complete this process thoroughly and correctly. Most people need assistance in making decisions, evaluating your ideas, coming up with settlement options and alternatives, analyzing those alternatives, and then having your documents prepared professionally. A divorce is just one example, however. Other examples would include out-of-court resolutions for a custody or parenting plan dispute, a child support or spousal support modification, or a problem which arises after a divorce, such as the division of a retirement plan or other unresolved issue.
Spousal Support
INITIAL CONSULTATION FOR ONE PERSON - Please refer to current Fee Schedule for hourly rate: This is our first meeting. Average length: 3 to 5 hours. Yours may be shorter or longer, depending. I will try to estimate this for you when we talk. This meeting involves gathering all basic information, reviewing assets and debts in detail, discussing all children-related issues, discussing all spousal support issues, going over all options within the procedural framework of your situation, and then going over ideas for a division of property. This meeting is our educational meeting and is for developing the GAME PLAN. This hourly rate applies to consulting with ONE person.
Legal Separation
This information resource has been created for your reference to explain the type of legal services that are provided by this office. This office provides services in FAMILY LAW only, which includes Dissolution of Marriage (divorce), Legal Separation, Nullity, and custody matters, generally speaking. I do not provide legal services in any other area of law.
CONTESTED CASES: I DO NOT HANDLE CONTESTED CASES. The word "litigation" refers to the court's process of resolving a contested case. Litigation is required when you have a contested case, if you are unable to reach an agreement through any method. For cases which you may assume to be contested, I can consult with you with the goal of providing an analysis of your situation or case, as an educational experience only. This benefits you by assisting you in understanding your case and the court system, and in outlining your available options to resolve or move forward with your case. This usually serves to provide some "direction" to you as to what you may want to do. This does NOT provide you with representation for your case. I DO NOT assist anyone in preparing for trial, and do NOT assist with acquiring temporary orders, including restraining orders, by way of an Order to Show Cause, as those matters are usually more complex than you may realize; and representation by a traditional attorney is STRONGLY recommended. If you have complex trial issues, I will advise you to seek additional advice and representation from a litigator. I am NOT a litigator, and if your case is a contested one, I will advise you to seek the advice of a litigator for an opinion on your case from a litigator's standpoint. My focus is to keep you OUT of court, and if you are already on your way there, then I am NOT usually the best person to be advising you.