Bucks County Family Law Mediator and Collaborative Law Attorney

Is mediation productive? Does collaborative divorce actually work? When both parties come to the table with open minds and honest intentions, alternative dispute resolution is highly successful.

Family attorney Elissa C. Goldberg is skilled as a mediator, as a collaborative law attorney and as a courtroom advocate in divorce and custody litigation. Each approach has its time and place, but she knows that the advantages of mediation and collaboration far outweigh the downsides.

Based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, the Law Office & Mediation Services of Elissa C. Goldberg handles divorce and family law in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the Philadelphia metro area.

Why Family Law Mediation Works

Mediation is a series of negotiations involving only the two people and a neutral third party (mediator) who helps focus the discussion. Mediation is non-binding and does not prevent the parties from entering litigation.

Mediation does work. Even when it does not result in a settlement, mediating calms the waters, settles some disputes, clarifies the issues and streamlines subsequent litigation. Mediation is effective in the process and in the result:

  • You have input in the outcome.
  • It is not as tense and confrontational.
  • It takes less time than litigation.
  • It is significantly less expensive.
  • It offers more leeway than is possible in court.
  • Mediated agreements tend to last longer than court-imposed solutions, with fewer disputes.

Why Collaborative Law Works

Collaborative law is a hybrid of mediation and litigation. Like mediation, it is a series of out-of-court negotiations with the goal of a settlement. However, there is no neutral facilitator. Each spouse is represented by an attorney, but all four parties sign an agreement not to litigate.

Collaborative law requires a commitment to out-of-court resolution. It is effective because:

  • You have back-up — Your lawyer is at your side to answer questions, make suggestions and protect your interests.
  • You don't get stuck — Mediation can grind to a halt when one party needs legal advice or feels manipulated.
  • You can't go backward — If either party drops out of the collaborative process, both parties will have to hire new counsel to engage in litigation.
  • You aren't playing games — There is no incentive to withhold information or "outfox" the other side. Everything is on the table in order to craft a mutual solution.
  • You have the benefit of various resources — divorce coach, child specialist, financial planner or therapist, if needed — to help the process along.

Do Mediation and Collaboration Really Work?
Discuss Your Unique Circumstances With an Experienced ADR Attorney

Elissa C. Goldberg is certified in mediation and collaborative law. She is also a formidable trial lawyer when alternative dispute resolution is not applicable. At the beginning of your divorce or custody dispute, she will help you identify which approach is best suited to your goals and your situation.

From our Doylestown office, we handle child support and family law matters in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the Philly area. Call 215-345-5259 or contact us online today to learn more.