“The entire legal profession...has become so mesmerized with the stimulation of the courtroom contest, that we tend to forget that we ought to be healers of conflict...Trial by adversarial contest must in time go the way of the ancient trial by battle and blood...Our system has become too costly, too painful, too destructive, too inefficient for truly civilized people.”                                                        
                                                  --Chief Justice Warren Burger, 1984

The WNY Collaborative Law Professionals is composed of matrimonial and family law attorneys who wish to implement the values of personal responsibility, respect, cooperation, and collegiality in resolving divorce and domestic relations issues.  We seek to be “healers of conflict” by creating a safe, open, and fair environment that encourages effective communication between parties and their attorneys in the presentation of the facts and circumstances surrounding each case. Our ultimate goal is to enable joint creative solutions that address all issues by creating a mutually acceptable settlement agreement without resorting to litigation. This process will permit the parties to explore and discuss matters in a way that allows for compromise based upon a real understanding of their needs and of the potential consequences of their choices. 


WHAT COLLABORATIVE LAW CAN MEAN FOR YOU

The choices a divorcing couple make at the beginning of their negotiations may well determine the way their divorce turns out:that is, the kind of relationship they have in the future, and how well their children adjust.

Even though they are angry, sad, distrustful, or anxious, most
people are capable of making constructive choices in how they manage their divorce.

In the court-based system, spouses are labeled and set off against one another as opposing parties right from the beginning.These opponent roles often aggravate divorce-related conflict.

Collaborative Law is a new way of handling family law matters
whereby the couple and their attorneys agree to work cooperatively together in resolving the issues using problem-solving strategies rather than adversarial approaches and litigation. The heart of Collaborative Law is the belief shared by the couple and their attorneys, that it is in their best interest and in the best interest of the family to resolve differences with minimal conflict and without going to court.

Through Collaborative Law, the parties are in effect, hiring the attorneys to assist them in working out a settlement they both agree they can live with.

THE GOALS OF COLLABORATIVE LAW ARE
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To help the parties communicate effectively with each other  in expressing their needs, interests and emotions appropriately.

To help the parties to really listen to each other and to offer creative and workable alternatives.

To provide a safe place and an organized framework so the parties can discuss each issue rationally and reach  an agreement that is good for the family as a whole.

To  complete the divorce in an uncontested posture if the parties want to move beyond the Settlement Agreement to dissolve  their marriage.

To help the parties achieve the best possible outcome under the circumstances of their separation and/or divorce.