Courtney Smith

If you are recently separated from your spouse/partner or are contemplating separation, then you probably cannot even fathom the incredible value to you, both in tangible and intangible terms, of resolving your differences with your spouse/partner outside of court. A former client of my firm who litigated custody, child support, equitable distribution, and alimony for over three years told me how he wished he had someone who had been through such an experience explain the incredible cost to him before he endeavored down that path. The costs were significant in financial terms, of course, but beyond that, they were significant in emotional terms. And the price was incredibly high. Litigation of family law issues takes what is already a tense and emotional situation and escalates it further. Suddenly, you find yourself signing off on pleadings to be filed with the Court that spell out any wrongdoing your spouse ever inflicted upon you, and discussing the private intricacies of your relationship in a courtroom full of people. If your attorney has not explained that there is another way and that litigation is not the first step in nearly all family law cases, then perhaps you need to speak to another attorney. You, your spouse/partner, and your children will be better able to move forward with the next chapter of your lives if you can minimize the animosity of the separation and divorce process and going through the collaborative process is a great way to do that. I look forward to helping you accomplish your goals through the collaborative process.