Dissolve the Marriage; Do Not Destroy The
Family

Collaborative Family Lawyers
of Greater New Haven

Collaborative Law is a form of dispute resolution which removes the "win at all costs"
approach from divorce.  In the process, parties and their attorneys contractually agree at the
outset to settle their disputes without going to court.  Spouses avoid lengthy and costly
litigation while maintaining control over the process.

Collaborative Law replaces litigation with a series of four-way meetings, voluntary disclosure
and open negotiations.  The process emphasizes fairness and respect as well as the
preservation of the parties' ability to co-parent in the post divorce family.

Collaborative Family Lawyers of Greater New Haven is a group of independent,
unaffiliated family law practitioners each of whom is experienced in all phases of family law.  
We have all represented numerous clients in divorces, custody disputes and other family
matters.  All of us have extensive litigation experience and many are trained in mediation.  Too
often we have witnessed the expense, anguish and frustration that result from attempting to
resolve family problems in the judicial setting.  Each of us has committed to follow the
Collaborative Law model and agreement if that is elected by our clients.  That agreement
requires us to use our skills, experience and talents to resolve domestic disputes by using full
disclosure of information, open negotiations and good will.  We believe that Collaborative
Law is a positive alternative to litigation.

Collaborative Law allows the parties to fashion a settlement that is a "custom fit" to the
unique requirements of their situation.  It is the parties, themselves, who decide what is best
for them, their finances, and their children.  No judge knows your family and its special needs
better than you and your spouse.


Discourage litigation.  Persuade neighbors to compromise whenever you can.  Point out to them how
the nominal winner is often the real loser in fees, expenses, and waste of time.  As a peacemaker the
lawyer has a superior opportunity of becoming a good [person].     Abraham Lincoln