Client Centered Approaches

There are a variety of options available when it comes to resolving legal issues pertaining to family relationships and finances. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are client-centered approaches, offering clients an opportunity to make their own decisions about what is best for their own family and circumstances.

Traditionally, clients have relied on third-party decision-making processes, such as litigation or arbitration. By nature these processes are limiting, in that they require a third party decision-maker to decide the issues in accordance with the mandates of the law. Unfortunately, this approach does not necessarily create the best outcome for the family involved.

With Collaborative Divorce and Mediation, the conflicting parties create a solution that will work best for their family. The emphasis is on addressing important shared interests, such as determining what is best for the children, and designing secure financial futures for all. Communications, collecting of information, and decision making are transparent to both parties, giving clients more control over the outcome.

No longer is the focus on a model of proposal/counter-proposal. With the Client Centered approach, both parties are encouraged to identify their interests, brainstorm options, and work towards a resolution that serves their prioritized needs and goals.