Helpful Definitions

Mediation
Assisting parties in reaching an agreement. A mediator only facilitates agreement and has no authority. The process is meant to let the parties make their own decisions and eliminate or minimize litigation.
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Collaborative Divorce
A divorce process aimed at minimizing litigation. Each party is represented by an attorney, and all four persons participate in a mediation type setting. 
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Domestic Violence
Obtaining order of protection for a victim of domestic violence as well as defending the accused person.
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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Negotiating, mediating or arbitrating disputes between parties. Arbitration is different from mediation in one important aspect: the arbitrator has the authority to force an agreement. However, the arbitrator first works to facilitate the parties in reaching an agreement and uses his/her authority only if the parties cannot reach an agreement. 
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Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO or QILDRO)
Preparing and having a court enter Orders dividing retirement benefits as required by a divorce decree/judgment for dissolution of marriage.
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Divorce Litigation
Representing a party or the children in a family law/divorce case case in court.
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Custody Setting and Modification
Obtaining an original custody order from the court or having the original order modified by court (often because of a change in circumstances since the original order was entered).
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Maintenance
Obtaining an original maintenance/alimony order from the court or having the original order modified by court (often because of a change in circumstances since the original order was entered). Also, enforcing an order where the payor (former spouse ordered to pay maintenance to the other former spouse) has failed to pay as ordered.
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Visitation (Parenting Time)
Obtaining an original visitation/parenting time order from the court or having the original order modified by by court (often because of a change in circumstances since the original order was entered). Also, enforcing the visitation where it has been denied by the residential parent.
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Parentage (Paternity) Cases
Often individuals have children without having been married. We represent the mother or the father in establishing she/he is the parent of the child or enforcing the other parent’s obligations, such as paying child support or cooperating with visitation.
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Prenuptual Agreements
Negotiating or mediating between fiancé(e)'s with the aim at reaching an agreement that will determine what happens with their finances in case of divorce or death of the other spouse. The purpose may be to protect each person's property and/or to protect the person with less property by guaranteeing financial security in case of divorce or death of the other spouse. If the soon-to-be-married couple has reached an agreement, we formalize that agreement.
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Postnuptual Agreements
Negotiating or mediating between spouses with the aim at reaching an agreement that will determine what happens with their finances in case of divorce or death of the other spouse. The purpose may be to protect each person's property and/or to protect the person with less property by guaranteeing financial security in case of divorce or death of the other spouse. If the soon-to-be-married couple has reached an agreement, we formalize that agreement.
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Cohabitation Agreements
Negotiating or mediating between partners with the aim at reaching an agreement that will determine what happens with their finances in case of divorce. The purpose may be to protect each person's property and/or to protect the person with less property by guaranteeing financial security in case of divorce. If the soon-to-be-married couple has reached an agreement, we formalize that agreement.
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Orders of Protection (Obtaining and Defending)
Obtaining order of protection for a victim of domestic violence as well as defending the accused person. 
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Post-Decree Litigation
After divorce has been finalized, issues can arise requiring challenging the order, modifying it or enforcing it. We handle all such issues by representing a party in negotiations or litigation. We also offer mediation and other ADR services to help the parties resolve the issues out of court.
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Other Family Law Negotiations
Representing a person in negotiation of issues in a divorce case, or in attempt to avoid divorce. Also, negotiating issue of premarital agreements.
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