Collaborative Law and Mediation
Fort Worth Collaborative Law Attorney
Collaborative law and mediation are forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allow parties to resolve legal problems through a mutually agreeable and legally binding out of court settlement. Beneficial in settling many types of legal issues, collaborative law and mediation are particularly effective in settling divorce and sensitive family law matters.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law is a team approach to resolution and is used to resolve divorce and related domestic issues. In a series of meetings, both parties and their lawyers work together with counseling and financial specialists, as well as other professionals who serve as neutral consultants, to resolve contested issues in a private and confidential setting.
Collaborative law aims at offering constructive solutions, engendering mutual respect and focusing on common family goals. Taking family interaction out of an adversarial courtroom environment, issues are approached in a manner designed to nurture the dynamics of family relationships and benefit the family as a whole. Thoughtful compromise, restoration of communication and provisions for children are emphasized. Parties involved in the collaborative law process may opt out at any time. If the process is ended, however, attorneys for both sides must withdraw from the case and new trial lawyers must be obtained.
While collaborative law may not be for everyone, the process lends well to spouses who want to preserve the possibility of a friendly future relationship, create a positive co-parenting relationship after divorce and safeguard their children from damage resulting from heated litigation of their disputes.
Mediation
In comparison to the team approach of collaborative law, mediation uses one neutral third party, called a mediator. A mediator has the purpose of assisting spouses to express concerns, interests and needs. The mediator helps to identify the issues, creates options to resolve conflicts, and assists each party in analyzing and discarding options that are not viable solutions. Guiding the couple to arrive at agreements regarding what they will do with their home, bank accounts, children, pensions, and so on, spouses are allowed to make their own decisions and settle their case. As your lawyer, V. Wayne Ward will ensure beforehand that you understand your rights and responsibilities and prepare you for what to expect during mediation. While our firm will not be present to represent you during the mediation process, legal counsel is very valuable in helping you understand what is needed to achieve successful mediation. The mediator will prepare a final, formal agreement that incorporates the choices you have made. Mediation is generally quite cost-effective and a fraction of the expense of courtroom litigation.
The Fort Worth Law Office of V. Wayne Ward serves clients throughout Tarrant, Denton and Dallas Counties. Clients benefit from our broad experience in family mediation and collaborative law. To find out more about how to reach an amicable solution outside of the courtroom, please call our office at (817) 332-1172 to arrange a consultation.