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Our practice is wholly devoted to family law—and to all of family law.
mediation and alternatives to the court system Ways we can help you . . . whatever process you choose Collaborative Practice Collaborative Practice is a new way to resolve disputes respectfully—without going to court—while working with “collaborative” professionals specially trained to deal with various aspects of the dispute. Collaborative Practice allows you the benefit of, for example, child and financial specialists, divorce coaches and other professionals all working together on your team. In Collaborative Practice, you and the other party make a contractual commitment to: 1) exchange information voluntarily and freely; 2) not litigate (go to court); and 3) respect shared goals. The heart of Collaborative Practice is to offer you and your spouse or partner the support, protection, and guidance of your own lawyers without going to court. Advice and Consultation Many people are able to resolve major family disputes directly, but need the expertise, support and guidance of a family lawyer to help them understand the critical issues and make sound decisions. In addition to providing such help and advice, lawyers at the Burr Law Firm often can suggest “win-win” solutions, such as tax-saving ideas, that the parties might not have been aware of. The Burr Law Firm can of course also prepare formal Separation and Settlement agreements and do all the work needed to move a divorce and settlement through court. Round-table Negotiation The Burr Law firm routinely represents men and women in negotiations with the other party’s lawyer. The Burr Law Firm partners with the client to gather information, frame the issues to be resolved and develop options. We provide clients support, guidance and protection as we work directly with the other party’s lawyer–often in what are called “four-way meetings,” including the parties themselves–to discuss options and reach decisions. Mediation Mediation is negotiation with the assistance of a trained, neutral third party who facilitates the process and helps the parties reach resolution. Mediation can take place with only the parties and a mediator present or it can include the parties’ lawyers, as well. Barbara Burr, who is trained as a family law mediator, frequently serves as the mediator in disputes. She is also an experienced advocate for clients in mediation proceedings including lawyers. The Burr Law Firm also provides advice and consultation to parties who prefer to mediate without lawyers present. Court-based Litigation While there are many reasons to avoid court and litigation, on occasion it is the right process. Litigation can force a reluctant spouse to retain a lawyer and/or engage in the process of separation or divorce. Litigation provides structure and deadlines so that your issues move toward resolution. And ultimately, litigation provides a judge–a neutral third party–who will issue a decision if the parties have reached an impasse. If your family is one of the few that needs the structure of litigation or the decision of an impartial third party, then the Burr Law Firm, with its extensive experience in litigation, will represent you and serve as your vigorous advocate throughout legal proceedings. |
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