Alternative Dispute Resolution

Philadelphia Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) contains a broad spectrum of options for resolving conflicts outside the judicial system. Two of the more common methods of ADR include mediation and arbitration. However, other options exist, including collaborative law and cooperative law.

I'm Lee A. Schwartz, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, family law attorney offering more than 25 years of experience providing legal advice and representation to clients throughout the five-county Philadelphia area. I am a mediator, parent coordinator and a trained arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. Contact my office to discuss your alternative dispute resolution options.

Finding Solutions to Family Problems

In my family law practice, I facilitate four main areas of alternative dispute resolution. These include:

Arbitration

Binding arbitration allows couples to reach decisions about individual topics in a divorce, such as support and division of property. By doing so, couples avoid months of waiting for court hearings and appeals, saving time, money and emotional expense. In binding arbitration, the arbitrator acts as judge, rather than as a mediator, as in mediation. Having waived their right for judicial review of the arbitrated matter, the parties work with the arbitrator who hears the case like a judge and renders a decision. The arbitrator has the power to make decisions and enter the final order.

Divorce Mediation

Mediation instead of litigation is a route many couples choose to settle family law matters in a divorce, including child support, custody arrangements and division of property. Serving as mediator, I facilitate the discussion and resolution of all issues in the divorce. Couples find mediation to be empowering, as they can determine the future of their children and finances rather than having a decision handed down from a judge. Further, it is often less contentious than a standard, litigated divorce.

Collaborative Law

In a collaborative divorce, two parties are ready to move forward with obtaining a divorce without the intention of punishing the other party. Collaborative law provides a less confrontational environment for couples to develop creative solutions to matters such as child support, custody and property division without the threat and expense of court. The attorneys for both parties are contractually bound to withdraw from representation if the case deadlocks and moves to litigation. This alternative dispute method is often fairer and quicker than litigation.

Cooperative Law

Similar to collaborative law, cooperative law allows the parties to attempt to work out the issues surrounding divorce, such as child custody, child support and division of property. Unlike collaborative law, the parties are not contractually bound to work out an agreement. Rather, they agree to enter an informal discovery process and exchange information without waiving their rights to go to court.

Contact Lee A. Schwartz, Attorney at Law

For more information about alternative dispute resolution and how ADR can best meet your needs, contact me, Philadelphia family law and ADR attorney, Lee A. Schwartz. I am associated with the Spear Wilderman Law Firm.