Alternative Dispute Resolution

Deciding to end a marriage is not an easy decision. The decision to end a marriage affects more than just the husband and wife. When children are involved, a divorce is not just about the equitable distribution of property. People who have children are bonded for a lifetime. Both parties will want to be there for the important moments of the children's lives. For couples who want to avoid the prolonged stress and legal expenses associated with traditional divorce proceedings, collaborative divorce may be for you. Like other alternative dispute resolution methods (such as mediation), collaborative family law enables parties to resolve their differences without going to trial.

At Ciao, Torisky and O'Connor, LLC, we provide collaborative divorce services for clients throughout Allegheny County. We can employ the collaborative process to decide important issues such as child custody, property division, spousal support, alimony and visitation.

What is Collaborative Law?

Pioneered in California, collaborative law allows both spouses to retain separate, specially trained lawyers whose job it is to help them settle a dispute without court intervention. Neither side may go to court or threaten to do so. If such an action or threat occurs, the process terminates and both lawyers are disqualified from any further involvement in the case. In addition, the parties must agree to make a good faith effort to analyze problems and collaborate to reach a reasonable resolution.

Why Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative Divorce in Pennsylvania is less expensive and produces the same legally binding agreements as a traditional litigated divorce. There is less stress for all parties involved, including children. Aside from saving time and money, A Pennsylvania collaborative divorce can produce impressive psychological benefits for the family. Studies indicate that children recover more quickly from the stress of a divorce when the parents use mediation or collaborative divorce.

Resolving Disputes Without Going to Court

The goal of collaborative family law is to find real, lasting solutions to difficult issues in a setting that is cooperative, amicable and reasonably harmonious. Only a small number of attorneys are experienced in the practice of collaborative law in the context of divorce in Pennsylvania. Attorney Craig S. O’Connor at Ciao, Torisky and O'Connor, LLC, has received specific training in collaborative law and has extensive experience in the collaborative resolution of divorce and other family law disputes.

If you are interested in exploring your options for finding a reasonable solution to a divorce, property division, child support or alimony dispute through the Pennsylvania collaborative family law process, contact us at Ciao, Torisky and O'Connor, LLC, in the Pittsburgh area today.