Collaborative law Virginia, Virginia Divorce Attorney, Arlington, Fairfax

My role as attorney or mediator needs to be established at the outset and prior to scheduling.

During an initial consultation, I conduct a factual intake. It is helpful for you to prepare and bring with you a chronological history of significant events/issues leading up to the current time, an overview of your financial profile (assets/debts/income for each of you, how they are titled and approximately what they are worth - it does not have to be perfected but a big picture helps to be able to provide a good consult and use our time most efficiently), and an outline of your questions, concerns, interests and goals (to include what you would like to get out of the consult). A good intake helps me fully understand your circumstances. From there, I will explain how the law applies and what your rights and obligations are (while incorporating answers to your questions in this discussion). I also explain options for processes available in helping you reach your goals and help you evaluate the pros and cons of the processes. I believe it is important for each of us to have an overview and understanding about options for proceeding before proceeding beyond a consultation. The client should allow two hours (you will not be charged for part of that time when filling out an intake prior to our sitting down together). The length of time needed will depend on the complexity of the situation.

There is no assumption that I will be retained to represent you. If it makes sense for you to retain my services to assist you, we would discuss a plan for proceeding and I can then tell you how much your fee advance would be. In every case, I require an advance towards work to be done. This is not a flat fee or representation of what your case will cost, because I work only by the hourly rate. Rather, it is simply an advance which is deposited into my trust account and is drawn upon as I do work for you. You do need to pay that day for the first meeting. I do not accept credit cards so you would need to bring cash or a check. Please note: My practice is focused on assisting clients in reaching a settlement. I often advise a client as they proceed through mediation, or counsel assisted negotiation, and then I work in finalizing the legal paperwork and if needed in representing the client in an uncontested no-fault divorce. I do not represent a client in contested litigation (if the client is unable to reach a settlement through mediation and/or attorney assisted negotiation) and if it came to that point, I would refer you to a litigation attorney to represent you.

A mediator works with the parties to facilitate communications and assist the parties in developing options for settlement and working toward a resolution of some or all of the issues between them. The role of the mediator is to be neutral (not representing either party); the mediator can provide legal information but cannot provide legal advice; the mediator does not dictate a settlement; any settlement is an agreement reached between the parties.

The process emphasizes interest-based negotiations that result in a settlement that maximizes the interests of both parties. If desired, the mediation can result in a formal settlement agreement between the parties. To the extent that legal advice is desired, the parties are encouraged to hire separate legal counsel during the mediation process. The separate counsel may be used to confer with his/her client during or outside of the mediation sessions, to draft or review a written settlement agreement and/or to file any court matter (including incorporation of any settlement agreement reached). If mediation services are requested, an initial meeting will be scheduled with both parties present. No preparation is requested for the first meeting.

If you wish to make an appointment for a meeting, feel free to call me at 703-528-1991. I need the names of the parties prior to scheduling. Please let me know the times you are available and your preferences and I will respond as soon as possible. My web site below has information about my background, location and parking, etc. I look forward to hearing from you.