Before we can answer this question it is important to visualize what kind of divorce you’d like to have.
The main differences between a traditional litigation and alternative processes such as mediation and collaborative divorce, are the goals and how you get there.
In a traditional litigation the goal is to “get everything you can” without any regard for the other side. Lawyers argue and try to convince each other, and the judge, that their position is right. It’s a costly winner-take-all battle.
In certain circumstances, litigation is the right option. If that is so in your case, we will still make every effort to be respectful, and at the same time, make sure your rights are protected.
In mediation or collaborative divorce the goal is to have an agreement that is fair for both of you and good for your children. You and your spouse create solutions together from the ground up taking each other’s interests and concerns into consideration.
This is a good foundation for being able to solve problems in the future and work together as parents.
Teresa Ombres is a graduate of Fordham University and New York Law School and is admitted to the practice of law in the States of New York and New Jersey. She began her career in divorce and family law in 1981 and began mediating in 1996 after trainings in Community Mediation and Divorce Mediation.