Can I Get Divorced without Going to Court?

By: Amy Wechsler

The answer is “YES!” The goal of a separation or divorce proceeding is to develop a plan that addresses parenting issues and family finances. Couples who do not want to battle their issues in the courtroom have options that allow them to create plans that fit each family’s unique needs. It is only when couples are unable to reach agreement that they need someone else – the judge – to decide for them.

Lawrence Law offers two alternatives to traditional litigation: mediation and collaborative family law. Both of these processes are confidential, ensuring that your personal family and financial information remains private. Conducting sessions in private allows for more open communication, sharing of ideas and proposals and crafting plans that address your family’s special needs and concerns.

Court proceedings tend to be drawn out and inefficient, generating excessive fees while couples wait many months if not years to put their disputes before a judge. In mediation and collaborative family law, the parties and their attorneys determine the time frames, the length of meetings, how information will be shared, and can manage the costs.

Most important, in these alternatives to litigation couples make their own decisions about the future for themselves and their children. Couples who work together in a process that fosters respect, reduces conflict and empowers them to make their own decisions, can find creative solutions that serve the needs of all family members.

When couples resolve their issues without court intervention, the judge will accept their agreement and the only involvement with the court will be the filing of paperwork and perhaps a very brief process in order to finalize the divorce.

The attorneys at Lawrence Law are trained and experienced in mediation and collaborative family law. To learn more about these options, contact us at 908-645-1000.