Collaborative Process: Collaborative family law is a process where both parties have attorneys. The parties and attorneys commit to resolving the issues in the family law case
without going to court. They commit to full disclosure, negotiation, and mutually beneficial solutions to the issues of custody, support and property. Experts in child development and finances assist in a neutral way. In the event one party becomes disillusioned and decides to seek court intervention, both attorneys and all associated experts resign and the parties must start the process all over again with new lawyers and experts. This creates an incentive for the parties to stay committed to the collaborative process, even when frustrations develop or disagreements seem insolvable.
The collaborative process affords parties more control over the outcome of their case, privacy regarding their process and resolution, and the opportunity for more creative solutions than going to court would achieve. The parties benefit from a team of professionals who guide them to a cooperative resolution.
Mediation: Mediation is a process where the parties work with a neutral third party, someone trained in techniques of dispute resolution, to resolve the issues in their family law matter. Each party may retain an attorney to review the negotiated agreement and give him/her legal advice about the fairness of the agreement compared to alternatives such as litigation and court-rendered decisions. Linda S. Gross assists clients engaged in the mediation process. If requested, she can attend the mediation sessions with the client and participate in the mediation. She can help the client prepare legal forms such as declarations of disclosure. She can strategize with the client prior to the client's participation in a mediation session so the client can proffer workable solutions.
Litigation: Litigation may be the most efficient method of dispute resolution in certain cases. If deep divisions between the parties, substance abuse issues, or mental health issues exist, and the parties are unable to communicate with each other to negotiate a resolution, the court stands ready to make the parties' decisions for them. The litigation process involves more structure and formality, usually greater expense, and possibly more time than alternative dispute resolution methods. For some parties, a decision, even if not everything the party hoped for, is better than no decision.