The choices that a divorcing couple makes at the beginning of their negotiations may determine the way their divorce turns out, the kind of relationship they have in the future, and how their children adjust. Even though they are angry, sad, distrustful, or anxious, most are still capable of making good choices in how they manage their divorce.

In the court-based system, the spouses are labeled and set off against one another as "opposing parties" from the beginning. These "opponent" roles can unduly aggravate divorce-related conflict. Collaborative Law is a new way of handling family law matters whereby the couple and their attorneys agree to work together in resolving issues using problem-solving strategies rather than adversarial approaches and litigation.

The heart of Collaborative Law is the belief, shared by the couple and their attorneys, that it is in their best interest and in the best interest of the family to resolve differences with minimal conflict and without going to court.

The goals of Collaborative Law are:

To help the parties communicate calmly with each other and express needs, interests and emotions appropriately.

To ask questions, help the parties hear each other, and offer creative and workable alternatives.

To provide a safe place and organized framework for the parties to discuss each issue and reach agreement.

To prepare and file all written paperwork for the court.

As an experienced Rochester, New York, lawyer representing you in a Collaborative Family Law case, I can help you achieve your goals without going through the difficulties associated with a typical divorce case.