When families break, we help find resolution

The breaking of a family is never easy. When a relationship ends, hearts are heavy. And heavy hearts can lead to explosive battles, huge emotional and mental anguish, and overwhelming financial costs. Oftentimes, children are caught in the crossfire. There are tears, frustration, anger, and hurt all around. We see clearly when you cannot.

Our first priority is always the stability and safety of any children involved. Always. We work with you to find solutions that will support your broken family in finding a new and positive way forward through these hard times.

Ideally, we can negotiate a separation agreement between two consenting adults with level heads and open hearts to come to a resolution that works best for all parties. However, if things get ugly (and sometimes they do), we will represent your needs and desires with fervor and guide you toward a court-ordered solution.

You may be wondering, what is collaborative family law? At PJKJ Law we describe the two “realms” of family law—the first being the most commonly known, a court proceeding and the second being collaborative law.

While a court proceeding can tear a family apart, the goal of collaborative law is to help your family transition to its next stage after separation. An essential principle of collaborative negotiations is that the parties want to settle without going to court or threatening to go to court. Families can use this process in even the most contentious matters.  Its power lies in the parties’ joint decision to get to a conclusion. So, the ability of the team to address even the most divisive issues is by the inclusion of experts. Family professionals (such as a social worker or child psychologist) and a financial neutral work alongside the parties as a team. The goal is to reach an amicable and constructive agreement that allows each client to move ahead with their new life.

One significant benefit to the collaborative approach is the flexibility of agreements. While your lawyer will always ensure that you know your rights, ultimately, the solution is up to you. This approach allows for a creative process that shapes around the unique personality and situation of each family. Collaborative law is also a private process, and there are no public records. 

If you are considering a separation, we would be happy to discuss the collaborative process, or your other options, in more detail.