Pittsburgh Attorneys Handling Mediation and Collaborative Law

Striving to find cost-effective solutions to your problems

Mediation and collaborative law are designed to minimize costs and give the litigants more control over the ultimate outcome. Mediation involves a neutral third party who oversees the negotiations between the parties and encourages compromise and settlement. Collaborative law is a relatively new legal process in which the parties agree to openly share information, negotiate their disputes and avoid litigation. The attorneys at Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C.  have experience resolving matters through both processes and can help you achieve the resolution you seek.

The following attorney practices Mediation & Collaborative Law:

• Lisa M. Petruzzi
• John M. Schaffranek

What are some areas where dispute resolution may be appropriate?

Everyone likes the idea of lower costs and more control. If the parties are amenable to negotiating a settlement, there are a number of family law areas that can be effectively resolved outside a courtroom:

• Divorce. The divorce process is a common area for settlements. Frequently the most contested issues involve asset division and child custody. However, mediation can be used to resolve disputes regarding child support, visitation schedules, alimony and any other matter related to your divorce. An experienced family law attorney can help you reach a fair divorce settlement or be an effective litigator for any remaining issues not resolved.
• Modification. It’s not easy to modify a support or custody order through mediation, frequently because the parties are often no longer in an agreeable mood. Modification nearly always involves one ex-spouse wanting more child support, or more access to the children. Nevertheless, as the litigation costs begin to mount and the anger begins to cool, the parties often determine that a mediated settlement is the better option for resolving their differences.
• Adoptions can sometimes be mediated. If a natural parent is determined to derail the adoption process, mediation can serve to resolve the issues.

What is collaborative law?

Collaborative law replaces court hearings and self-interest with multiple collaborative sessions and an honest concern for the other family members’ well-being. Each party is represented by a collaboratively trained attorney, and both parties sign a participation agreement to resolve their differences via a series of meetings with counsel rather than in court. If the process comes apart and litigation is necessary, the parties generally have to start over with different attorneys. So, everyone is committed to the collaborative law model. Like mediation, the process works best in divorce matters. If a less adversarial approach appeals to you, a collaborative lawyer can guide you through the process and still protect your rights.

Experienced Pittsburgh collaborative law attorneys

The law firm of Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C.  has successfully helped Pennsylvania families resolve their disputes in both mediation and collaborative law processes. We would consider it an honor to help your family as well. Contact our firm today at 412-436-5788 or online to arrange your confidential consultation.