Frequently Asked Questions - Staten Island Collaborative Law Group

What are the Types of Collaborative Professionals?SICLAdmin2017-05-02T10:19:40-05:00

What are the Types of Collaborative Professionals?

Collaborative Attorneys

Collaboratively trained attorneys believe that this process provides a better alternative to litigation or mediation for many couples. A Collaborative Attorney can provide their client with solution oriented advocacy and advise them of their rights and obligations pertaining to divorce issues such as custody, parenting, child support, maintenance, and equitable distribution..

siclg staten island divorce

(left to right): Joan L. Tremer, Esq., Philip Garippa, LCSW, Anne-Louise Depalo, Esq. and John C. D’Angelo, CPA

Financial Professionals

A large part of divorce negotiations center on important economic aspects. A Financial Specialist can help the parties assess their income, and assets and debts to better evaluate their options. Their expertise can assist in the development of fair solutions and a viable distribution plan, which is vital to the future well being of both spouses.

Mental Health Professionals

A Divorce Coach can help the parties manage the stress and vulnerability of divorce, communicate more effectively, and focus the parties on their future goals. A Child Specialist can assist children by validating their feelings and helping them process difficult emotions. They can create a parenting plan which takes into account the childrens’ unique needs and interests.

Collaborative Advisors

Divorce Lending Specialist
A lending advisor can work with the Collaborative Team to help a borrower navigate the challenging lending market.

Realtors
Collaboratively trained Realtors can work with the team to meet your real estate needs including buying, selling, and relocation.

Is Collaborative Right for me?SICLAdmin2017-05-02T10:19:40-05:00

Is Collaborative Right for me?

The collaborative process is right for you if you:

want to stay in control of the decisions which effect you and your children
want to arrive at a less costly, custom tailored and jointly crafted resolution, at your own pace and in a private supportive atmosphere
realize the importance of a workable continued relationship as parents
want to achieve a marital dissolution with dignity, and through a process which helps you focus on the future

Many divorcing couples are deciding that alternatives to the adversarial litigation system are the right choice for them and for their children.

For some, mediation is a good alternative to settle their dispute. However, for mediation to be viable, each party must be able to clearly express their needs to the other and be aware of their rights without an advocate by their side. While many mediators are attorneys, they function as complete neutrals in the mediation process guiding the conversation, but providing no legal advice to either side.

Collaborative law addresses these problems by providing another option for those who are uncomfortable negotiating on their own or who lack confidence in their knowledge or decision- making capabilities and want an attorney advisor with them throughout the entire process.