Collaborative Law: Amicably Resolving Disputes

Divorce is a painful, wrenching experience under the best of circumstances no matter who initiates the process. When you face a divorce, particularly when issues like child custody, support and division of assets are on the table, Collaborative Law, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution techniques can remedy a potentially volatile situation and avoid unpleasant surprises in court.

At the Law Offices of Kathleen D. Schneider, we believe decisions that affect you, your family and your future are best left in your hands, not in the hands of family court judges. Our Collaborative Law practice places decision-making power in the hands of the people it affects the most.

“The most gratifying moment of my Collaborative Practice was the day when a couple, parents of small children, had finished the Collaborative process. They went into another room. They shared a hug. They cried. I thought that boded well for the rest of their lives and their children’s lives, too. This model allows couples to walk away with their dignity intact.” — Kathleen D. Schneider

Rather than a transition marked by conflict, uncertainty and loss, using collaboration allows you to gain control and authorship for the future. Creating a mutually beneficial arrangement is an invaluable investment, especially when children are involved. To learn more about Collaborative Law, call 412-342-8577 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced lawyer.

Understanding The Collaborative Law Process

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Kathleen D. Schneider have guided many Pennsylvania families through divorce using collaborative techniques to reach sustainable agreements. Collaboration provides all the benefits of legal counsel without a court battle and the stress of the traditional adversarial process. More creative solutions are possible than the court system typically affords. Once you reach an agreement, we prepare all the paperwork to finalize the case. There is no need for you to step into the courtroom.

During the Collaborative process, attorneys have an incentive to help you succeed: If the collaborative effort fails, they cannot represent you in further litigation. Information is shared in good faith, using negotiation and problem-solving methods to reach a fair and equitable resolution. And it is generally the case that using the collaborative process is much less expensive than a traditional litigation method of divorce.

Acting As Your Trusted Mediator

Mediation is a process in which a neutral, third-party mediator helps you and your spouse reach a divorce settlement or a resolution of some other issue. Since the mediator is not acting as an advocate for either spouse individually, they refrain from offering specific advice but allow your family to create a solution that works for you.

Both the Collaborative process and mediation are typically faster and less expensive than traditional divorce methods. Generally, only a single visit to court is necessary to finalize the divorce. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Kathleen D. Schneider have guided many clients through divorce using mediation and alternative collaboration methods to reach sustainable agreements.

Contact Us To Explore Your Legal Options

To discuss whether a Collaborative Divorce could benefit your case, please call our Pittsburgh offices at 412-342-8577, or contact us online. Our lawyers provide free case consultations to discuss your options.