The decision to separate from a spouse is a stressful one. Facing the prospect of dealing with such a very personal matter through a lengthy process in a public court is often overwhelming.
The Collaborative Law alternative is a positive way to effectively address both parties’ specific needs and concerns and to resolve all aspects of a couple’s separation through private meetings among the parties and their respective attorneys. As active participants in the process, both parties have significant input in formulating a customized plan to facilitate their move forward from spouses to separated/divorced individuals. Upon finalization of a Settlement Agreement, everything is set in place for a simple, uncontested divorce, usually requiring only one short court appearance of approximately ten (10) minutes in duration.
Over the past twenty (20) years as a Maryland Collaborative Law attorney devoted to helping individuals who are separating and/or divorcing their spouses, I have seen how the Collaborative Law Process is an excellent alternative to litigation. Litigation is a very stressful, costly, and adversarial process that will tear apart the individuals’ relationship with one another and often times, the couple only ends up in court again either through appeals or future contested matters. On the other hand, the Collaborative Law Process often effectively enables individuals to resolve all issues related to a separation and divorce such as: child issues (custody, visitation, support, use and possession of the family home and furnishings); to division of assets (real estate, financial accounts, retirement, benefits and investment accounts, business interests, motor vehicles and other personal property); to spousal benefits/entitlements (alimony, insurance coverage, survivorship rights); to allocation and resolution of debt (mortgages, home equity loans, business debts, auto loans, credit card balances and personal loans); and other matters without destroying the individuals involved or the parenting, business or other relationships that might need to continue between the spouses. Collaborative Law is a private, dignified and tailored way to work out matters between separating persons who wish to take an active, positive role in dealing with their present concerns and in planning for the future.
–Mary Ellen Flynn, Esq.
Andalman & Flynn, PC
301-563-6685
meflynn@a-f.net
www.andalmanflynn.com