Practice Areas

• >> Adoption
• >> Alternate Dispute Resolution
  •      - Arbitration
  •      - Collaborative Law
  •      - Mediation
• >> Child Custody & Visitation
• >> Child Support
• >> Divorce
• >> Domestic Abuse
• >> Elder Law
• >> Enforcement of Court Orders
• >> Guardianship
• >> Maintenance (Alimony)
• >> Paternity
• >> Prenuptial Agreements
• >> Property Division
• >> Wills/Probate/Estate Planning

Alternate Dispute Resolution

Arbitration

Arbitration is where an impartial arbitrator, usually an experience attorney or retired judge gives a decision after hearing evidence from both sides. The arbitration hearing is less formal than in a court room setting. The arbitrator's decision can be binding or non-binding depending on the agreement of the parties. Arbitration is a cost-effective way to privately resolve disputes as no documents are filed with the court. Both Steven J. Kriegshaber and Claire M. O'Laughlin have been certified by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers as Family Law arbitrators.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is a system of practicing family law where the parties and their attorneys sign an agreement to treat each other as a settlement team rather than adversaries with the goal of resolving issues by agreement rather than by going to court. There is a full voluntary disclosure and exchange of financial information by the parties.  Components of the collaborative process include NO "dirty tricks" and the attorneys involved must quit if the case goes to court.  All issues are resolved in a series of conferences with the parties, their attorneys and any other members added to the team including a neutral financial planner, mental heath professional, appraiser or anyone with expertise needed to best solve the particular issues of the case.  Generally collaborative cases are less expensive and take less time to process than litigated cases.

Mediation

Mediation is where a neutral mediator usually an attorney or retired judge facilitates discussion between the parties to help resolve issues and lead them to a mutually satisfying agreement. As active participants in the resolution of the conflict, the parties maintain a high level of control.

Mediation can be used to settle a specific issue such as visitation or to resolve all issues in a case. One advantage of mediation is that all discussion is confidential. The court is only advised as to whether the mediation was successful or not. If successful, a written agreement is signed by the parties and filed with the court. Mediation can be much more cost effective and less time consuming than litigation.