Gary Stern Law

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Collaborative Law

Areas Of Practice

Marriage & Cohabitation

Publications

Dealing With Divorce

Divorce Mediation

Collaborative Law

Dealing With Divorce In Alternative Ways

The dynamics of the modern family have evolved and similarly the way people go about divorcing has also evolved. If you are thinking about a divorce or are in the process of a divorce you should consider alternative resolution methods such as, mediation, mediation/arbitration or the collaborative family law process. Your lawyer as you advisor should explain to you the pros and cons of each process and which process may suit you the best based upon your needs. Mediation is where either the parties themselves or with their lawyers consider hiring a third- party professional (usually a lawyer) to meet with the parties to try to resolve matters amicably. In some cases, clients retain mediators who are lawyers or retain mediators who are parenting professionals such as social workers, psychologist or psychiatrist to deal with the parenting issues. Mediation is a volunteer process and is non-binding.

Arbitration is an alternative to Court. The arbitrator usually follows the same rules set out in Court. Most parties in Family Law cases usually do not proceed with straight arbitration but proceed with a process known as mediation/arbitration. The process requires retaining a third party professional to meet with the parties to see if they can come up with a settlement. Failing the same facilitator switches roles and becomes the arbitrator whereby their decision is final and binding. In order for a facilitator to do mediation/arbitration they have to be duly qualified by the Attorney General’s office. Mediation/arbitration is a volunteer process but is binding.

The collaborative practice is a process where the parties agree that they want to resolve matters respectively, amicably and without the necessity of a judicial proceeding. Each party retains a Collaborative Lawyer who is specially trained. The intent is that the clients do the majority of the talking as it is their process. The goal of course is to move the process along and come together on a final resolution.

People should consider the above as good choices in modern day divorce as they do ease the general stress that comes with divorce.

What Our Clients Say

Hear from our past clients who have been in similar situations and how we've helped them.

Gary and his team are professional and efficient. He is consistently in communication with the client. Payment information is detailed. I have referred him to many of my friends. There is no wasted resources. This is the kind of lawyer you want. Very direct. Doesn’t want to waste precious time on useless details. Will not rob you dry.

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Christine George

Mr. Gary Stern left no stone unturned to help me, the outcome was better than I expected, he believed in justice, knew that I was treated unfairly, and fought for me, like it's his own family suffering. I will never stop praying for you and your staff, the respect and kindness I received was beyond my imagination.