RI Divorce: Avoiding Family Court.

Clients call, asking if a mediator can help them avoid Family Court as they go through a divorce.  Although the answer is “No”, there are ways to reduce the court’s role in resolving the disputes present between you and your spouse.  This is also true for unmarried people who share children.  You need to obtain a marriage license from the state in order to get married and you need the state, through its Family Court, to get a divorce.

Often times, I am asked:  “Do I need to hire an attorney to handle custody or divorce case?”   My usual response: “You wake up one morning with a nasty tooth ache.  Now, you can go to your garage, pick up a pair of pliers and yank that tooth out, or you can call a dentist.  Which one would you choose?”  The same concept applies when it comes to handling your own legal matter in Family Court.

Think about the last time you strained/sprained a muscle or hurt your back.  You can recover by limiting movement for an extended period of time; however, you can recover quicker and with more strength if you attend physical therapy, where professionals are trained to use the right therapies to quicken your return to full activities.  As a mediator and lawyer, I can help you understand the process, help you strategize how to move forward and get you back on your feet, with a solid foundation, quicker than you would on your own.

In mediation, we will work with both parties to discuss and negotiate the various issues surrounding your children, assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, personal property and even various collections), your debts (sole and joint) and your insurances.

People want to believe that they can process their own divorce and that they do not need to help of a lawyer or professional mediator.  Of course, a person can go to court and obtain a divorce.  However, even Abe Lincoln said “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.”

Call 352-1000 to schedule an appointment.