Written by Carol G. Cooper, Esq. In order to use Collaborative Practice for your divorce, both you and your spouse must agree to it. Also, you and your spouse must engage separate collaboratively trained attorneys. If you have already found your collaboratively trained attorney, that attorney may agree to meet with you and your spouse […]
Tax Planning in Retirement
Written by Christina Snyder. It can be easy to underestimate the role of taxes during retirement. Because taxes are frequently associated with income during the working years of life, many overlook tax planning during this next chapter. However, if properly managed, there are serious financial advantages to be gained by an effective tax strategy within […]
What is the best way to decide between using Collaborative Practice or Mediation to resolve my divorce?
Written by Dana W. McKee, Esquire. Collaborative Practice and mediation are both forms of alternative dispute resolution that allow divorcing parties to avoid costly litigation but are very different from each other. Mediation is designed so that the parties can decide whether they want to be represented by their attorneys at the mediation. The mediator […]
Business Valuations in Collaborative Divorce
Written by Richard L. Wolf, CPA/ABV, CFE, CVA. For couples with complicated finances, such as ownership of a business, Collaborative Practice can be an excellent choice. Typically, when there is a business involved, the couple will retain a neutral business valuation specialist. This individual may already be working as the couple’s neutral financial professional, or […]
How does Collaborative Practice ensure that my voice is heard and my needs are met?
Written by Amy Mazer, LCSWC. BLOG QUESTION: My spouse was always the decision-maker in our relationship. How does Collaborative Practice ensure that my voice is heard and my needs are met? BLOG RESPONSE: It is common for certain dynamics to emerge in a marriage, one of them being spouses’ roles related to decision making. In […]
The Collaborative Divorce Child Specialist
Written by Scott A. Holzman. Divorce affects children in a myriad of ways and parents will frequently say that they do not want their children to be negatively affected by the process. To mitigate the effects of divorce, most practitioners agree that the best ways include reducing parental conflict and tending to the needs of […]
Can we use Collaborative Practice even though we are not married?
Written by Mollie G. Caplis. BLOG QUESTION: My partner and I were never legally married, but we have children and assets. Can we use Collaborative Practice even though we are not married? How will that work? BLOG RESPONSE: The collaborative practice is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where participants work with a team […]
Bankruptcy and Divorce Through the Collaborative Process
Written by Eric S. Steiner, Esquire. Bankruptcy and divorce combine two complex legal proceedings, and divorces contribute to 24.4% of bankruptcies filed nationwide. The Collaborative Practice process can be used to assist both spouses to structure a divorce in anticipation of one or both spouses filing for bankruptcy. 1. Bankruptcy and Divorce – The Differences […]
The Role of the Mortgage Broker in the Collaborative Divorce
Written by Joseph Shagena. Having a mortgage broker who understands the Collaborative Law process is beneficial when it comes time to engage in a discussion regarding marital real property. Often both spouses wish to retain the same piece of real property (typically their family home). Before engaging in a discussion of which spouse keeps real […]