Collaborative Law

Murch & Wise, P.C.

Collaborative Law

COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW is the best avenue for resolving marital issues with dignity, respest and mutual concern for both spouses and their children. We guide clients through a steamlined, respectful divorce process to help them make a smooth transition from being married to being divorced.

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What is the best process for me to resolve family issues like divorce or separation?
Some families work out their differences at the kitchen table and need a lawyer to formalize the agreement that they have worked out. Others use a mediator to negotiate their own settlement and hire an attorney to formalize the mediated settlement. Sometimes clients feel more comfortable collaborating with a lawyer who will guide them thought settlement and educate them about the law. In the collaborative process, the client retains control and works toward achieving his or her best settlement resulting in a fair and lasting agreement. High conflict families may want to consider going to Court and asking a Judge to decide what is best for their family. We are comfortable in all of these disciplines.

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"An ounce of mediation is worth a pound of arbitration and a ton of litigation!"
Joseph Grynbaum

COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW involves:
1. A pledge not to go to Court
2. An honest exchange of information by both spouses
3. A commitment to reaching a lasting agreement that takes into account the highest priorities of both spouses and their children

What is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative Law is a Legal process which involves a commitment to settling matters through interest based negotiation, without resort to litigation or threats of litigation. The lawyers chosen by the parties are retained to help them reach a settlement and to assist them as settlement specialists. The aim is for the clients to keep control of the process with their individual lawyer present as a resource. Lawyers educate their clients on the law and guide them in making choices, but it is the client who makes the decision as to what is best for the family. The lawyers draft the agreement into a legal document.

The Collaborative process offers an alternative route toward separation and divorce in a supportive and respectful manner. Instead of a court judge deciding the fate of the couple, both husband and wife plan an agreement together that is best for their family.

Other professionals such as psychologists, communication coaches, child specialists, and financial specialists support the couple and family during the process.

In Rochester, New York we are fortunate to have the Association of Collaborative Family Law Attorneys, Inc., a group of approximately 100 Collaborative professionals with unique training in this discipline. The association website is www.nycollaborativelaw.com. These professionals have pledged to cooperate with each other and families to achieve high functioning resolutions. All members of our firm are members of the Association.