I’ve been a lawyer for a L-O-N-G time. For the first half of my career, I represented individuals, families, organizations and other legal disputes using traditional, adversarial legal approaches such as arbitration and litigation. While those tried and true methods helped many clients achieve decisions, they were often very dissatisfied with the process they’d been in, even if they ultimately “won” the battle. I began to question whether the problem was actually the fight itself. I wondered if there was a better way. After some research on alternatives, I began training in mediation and Collaborative law approaches to dispute resolution. I decided that I would become a peacemaker instead of a litigator.
In 2005, I quit my job as General Counsel of a large labor union and transitioned my practice to one providing assistance exclusively in peaceful family law matters. Since then, I’ve undertaken over 750 hours of specialized training in mediation and Collaborative Divorce processes to assist couples who wish to mutually resolve their family’s issues respectfully and economically. I’ve handled about 600 such cases since then and seen firsthand how much better it is for families to work together instead of fighting. My goal is to help those folks that I work with access their best selves, with access to all the necessary resources they need to achieve a peaceful divorce.
I’ve also been a long time board member of the Oregon Association of Collaborative Professionals (“OACP”), a state-wide organization of attorneys, mediators and other professionals dedicated to protecting children and assisting families with peaceful divorces.
With the right help, peaceful divorce is absolutely possible, and might be one of the best gifts you could ever give to yourself and your children.
Please contact me if you would like more information about this approach.
Discover more through my practice group, Bridges Collaborate Divorce Solutions.
Bridges Professionals include Mediators, Lawyers, a Child Specialist, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and Divorce Coaches. Learn more HERE or view MY PROFILE.