In a traditional divorce, each party retains an attorney and the attorneys negotiate the divorce—either privately or, if necessary, in front of a judge. This process can be expensive, time-consuming and emotionally draining. Alternative divorce options such as mediation, collaborative divorce,...

The more you do yourself, the less you’ll have to pay an attorney to do. Prior to your first consultation, ask what information you should bring to help the attorney understand your situation. Some attorneys provide a written list of documents that clients need to bring, such as recent pay stubs,...

The average divorce in America costs $43,000. And this figure doesn’t include couples with very high incomes—their divorces cost more—or the cost of returning to court later to modify child support payments or settle other disputes. Fortunately, you can control the costs by working together....

It’s always helpful to begin the divorce process with a realistic end in sight. Before you meet with an attorney, take time to list your priorities and goals. A family law attorney can then help you understand state law and community property rules, and answer your questions. For instance, will...

In order to achieve a complete and fair agreement, it is essential that you both fully disclose all of the assets and debts of the marriage. Hiding assets is against the law and will hurt you in the long run. In one famous case, a woman named Denise Rossi won $1.3 million in the California State...

The best legacy divorcing parents can leave their children is to be civil with each other and communicate respectfully with each other during their divorce and beyond. Typically, communicating respectfully helps facilitate the divorce process. This may seem like a pipe dream, but it is possible....

Making the change from a husband-wife relationship to a co-parent relationship requires focusing on the present and on your child’s needs. Start by letting go of past resentments, regrets and blame. Look for solutions! Once you change your mindset, this may help to open doors in reaching...

If attorneys have to help you work out who will get the furniture and the wedding china, they may charge more than it would cost to replace everything. Here are some ideas on how to divide your personal property: Meet Halfway Method: Divide financial assets (bank accounts, stocks and bonds, etc.)...

When expert information or advice is needed in an adversarial divorce, each attorney hires an expert to issue an opinion, and, if necessary, testify in court. In the end, the couple pays for two expert opinions. When an expert is needed in mediation or some other...

Carol has extensive experience and education in negotiation and conflict resolution, including over 30 years' experience in creating “win-win” agreements as a real estate broker with an extensive knowledge of tax and finance. Her background is a tremendous asset to her clients during divorce...

Patricia D. Clark is dedicated to her practice and gives each client her compassion and individual attention, understanding that every case is unique. She is committed to Family Law Center’s motto, “Divorce Done Differently,” emphasizing cooperation and respect throughout the dissolution...

Divorce can be extremely painful, especially when it is beyond your control. Counseling can help divorcing individuals heal wounds and recognize the opportunities that lie ahead. Spending time with a therapist working through the emotional aspects of the divorce can also help when it comes time to...

Mark has practiced civil, business and tax law since 1983, and exclusively family law since 1993. With an extensive business and financial background, Mark is qualified to represent clients in complex property and financial dissolution cases using a cooperative, respectful, and professional...

November 2: Carol Delzer publishes new book, Eight Weeks to Collaborative Co-Parenting.