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Let me introduce myself. I am an attorney extensively trained in the Collaborative Divorce Process. Many attorneys trained in Collaborative Divorce Law join professional organizations with like- minded attorneys. I am one of the founding members of the Rockland Collaborative Law Network (www.collaborativelawrockland.org), a member of the InternationalAcademy of Collaborative Professionals (www.collaborativepractice.com), and a member of the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals (www.collaborativelawny.com) . I invite you to explore each of these associations' web- sites to find out more information about this highly effective new process called Collaborative Law. While my office is in New City, New York in Rockland County, I also practice in Westchester County and New York City.
Collaborative Divorce Law is a fairly recent development in the field of Matrimonial/Divorce Law. The essence of collaborative law is the belief, shared by the two clients and their two lawyers, that it is better for the clients and their families to resolve their matters as amicably as possible under the circumstances and without going to court. My responsibility as your Collaborative Lawyer is to work together with you, my collaborative counterpart representing your spouse, and your spouse to solve the problems that have arisen and reach a negotiated settlement that meets both of your legitimate needs. This is achieved via a series of four-way conferences with both people and their attorneys. If necessary "neutral" professionals of other disciplines are also invited to partake in the process. These can include, but are not limited to, Divorce Coaches, financial analysts, pension appraisers, and child specialists. This "team approach" is gaining wide acceptance and is proving to be the most effective and expedient method of resolving divorce, support and parental access issues.
Divorce is a life altering and potentially devastating event. After practicing matrimonial law for many years, I became disenchanted with the manner in which the cases were handled in our court system. It appeared that even during the best settlements, no one came through unscathed, including the attorneys. The litigation process drew the parties further and further apart, with little hope of normalizing their relationship after the case was over. Each party was forced to defend their position at enormous financial and emotional cost. The Collaborative Divorce method works so well because it fills a void that has been left by the courts. While it is not for everyone, the majority of cases will benefit from selecting the collaborative process over litigation or mediation. |
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