Alternatives to Litigation

Without proper planning and attention, any legal situation has the potential to devolve into a serious court battle. Since court cases are often lengthy and expensive, I recommend avoiding them whenever possible.

Collaborative law and mediation

Dissolving a marriage is challenging enough without a protracted fight in court. Fortunately, there are alternatives. 

Collaborative law and mediation are excellent ways to amicably resolve your legal issues without entering a courtroom. While collaborative law is a method both parties must agree to early in the resolution process, mediation is often seen as a last effort to settle legal matters before the case goes to trial.

Both collaborative law and mediation provide an opportunity for spouses to discuss the details of their divorce in a productive manner. Each spouse must bring to the table a willingness to cooperate and compromise. When both parties are able to do so, it eliminates the need for a judge to make decisions for them. Cases resolved through collaborative law or mediation often result in more customized divorce and custody agreements that better fit your needs.

If collaborative law does not work and one party decides instead to litigate, both spouses must hire new attorneys. This puts additional pressure on you to work within the established guidelines to resolve the situation amicably.

As a family law attorney for more than three decades, I recommend these alternatives to my clients when appropriate.

Life planning and preventative law

Most people do not begin a life together imagining when or how it might end. But with more and more marriages ending in divorce, it makes sense to develop a life plan that protects you legally and financially. It is impossible to know just what life may bring, but preparing for the possibilities helps ensure you are able to handle whatever comes your way.

Life planning and preventative law can help you identify the best way to—

• Deal with debts and plan for your financial future (buying a home, retirement, etc.)
• Handle issues relating to children
• Manage stress and mental health issues
• Maintain a positive outlook and healthy lifestyle
• Determine if you need a partition agreement (pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement)

Life planning and preventative law can be especially helpful to couples where one or both have children from a previous relationship or marriage. It can be completed before or during a marriage, or after a divorce.

Contact the Law Office of V. Wayne Ward P.C. today

When I became an attorney in 1977, my goal was to help people. That remains my priority today. I represent clients in family law cases including divorce, child custody and support, and related issues. I am well versed in alternatives to litigation such as collaborative law and mediation. Contact me today. I am ready to hear your story and determine how I can help you through this difficult period in your life.