Litigation
The traditional method of deciding legal disputes is through the courts, where you and your former partner each hire a lawyer to present your best versions of the facts and legal arguments to the judge, who then makes orders on each issue. This process is designed to get as many facts as possible before the court, so that a neutral person can make a judgment as to the "right" solution. Generally, litigation in family law cases will consist of a series of hearings on one or more narrow issues, such as child support, spousal support, or child custody. Although the ultimate decisions will officially be made in a trial before a judge (there are no jury trials in family law cases), most cases are resolved through a series of hearings and negotiations, and usually do not go to trial.
Mediation
Mediation has developed as an alternative to litigation, to help parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement in a less adversarial and less expensive manner. The two parties, with or without the assistance of attorneys, meet with a neutral mediator to discuss their needs and interests and work out solutions. This can be helpful in maintaining a cordial relationship in the future, which can be especially helpful if you will be raising children together.
Collaborative Law
The newest form of alternative dispute resolution ("ADR"), has evolved out of both litigation and mediation, to provide a comprehensive method in which each party has her or his own attorney, and the attorneys guide the parties to develop solutions they can both find acceptable. Collaborative Practice often involves the use of other, neutral professionals, such as financial experts, child psychologists, and coaches, who help the parties to gather information and design solutions that work for them. In Collaborative Practice, both parties and their attorneys make a commitment at the outset to work hard to settle the case, and to avoid taking the case to court.
Unbundled Legal Services
If you do not need help with your entire legal proceeding, or you feel you cannot afford the services of an attorney, this option allows you to use the services of an attorney for limited parts of your proceeding.
Some examples of unbundled legal services we have provided are:
- Representation in the courtroom for a single hearing
- Drafting a response to the other party's motion
- Reviewing an agreement you've negotiated to make sure it protects your rights and has the legal effect you intend
Compassionate and Effective Representation.
Family Law Offices of Carol A. Gorenberg
2544 Cleveland Avenue
Suite 202
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Toll Free: (866) 752-1761
Phone: (707) 623-1171
