Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer In Carmel, Indiana
When people think of family law, they often imagine dramatic courtroom scenes. But a great deal of real family law happens around a negotiating table.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods and processes used to resolve disputes or conflicts outside of traditional litigation in court. ADR methods are often sought as alternatives to litigation because they can be faster, less expensive and less adversarial.
The alternative dispute resolution lawyers at Cross Glazier Reed Burroughs, PC, have more than four decades of experience in alternative dispute resolution that keeps you out of the courtroom and takes you back to living your life.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods
1. Mediation
Many of our attorneys are trained mediators. We can serve as an impartial go-between to help you come to a resolution in your family law matter. Mediators do not make binding decisions, but rather work with the parties to help the parties come to an agreement. Mediation often leaves clients better able to communicate and cooperate with the other parent regarding shared parenting matters.
2. Collaborative Law
Collaborative law, an emerging area of family law in Indiana, offers a cooperative environment for parties to reach an out-of-court settlement agreement. With attorneys trained in the practice of collaborative law, Cross Glazier Reed Burroughs, PC, recognizes that many people and their children can benefit from a collaborative divorce and prefer it to a more adversarial approach.
An attorney from our law firm can talk to you about your options regarding collaborative divorce. We can help you determine if the collaborative process fits your specific situation and then proceed toward a successful final outcome on your behalf.
3. Arbitration
In arbitration, attorneys represent the divorcing parties before a specially qualified lawyer rather than a judge. The decisions the arbitrator makes are binding. You can arbitrate every aspect of your family law matter, or you may arbitrate only one aspect of your case such as child support, child custody or business valuation. You may also choose to arbitrate your entire divorce.
What Are The Advantages Of Alternative Dispute Resolution?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can streamline your divorce process, minimize conflict and protect your assets. ADR methods like mediation and arbitration have many advantages over traditional litigation. One, ADR processes are more streamlined than court proceedings, allowing parties to resolve disputes efficiently.
Also, ADR has fewer procedural steps and lower legal fees than lengthy courtroom battles. Additionally, ADR gives parties more control over the outcome of their dispute, allowing them to create solutions tailored to their specific needs and interests. Our alternative dispute resolution attorney can assess your case, provide personalized advice and help you navigate the challenges of the ADR process.
What Happens If Parties Can’t Reach An Agreement Through ADR?
If the involved parties cannot reach an agreement through ADR, they may resort to traditional litigation –going to court. This can result in prolonged, expensive and emotionally taxing court proceedings, including formal hearings, extensive discovery processes and unpredictable outcomes determined by a judge or jury.
Before using ADR in your family law case, there are various factors to consider, including:
- Whether both parties seem genuinely willing to negotiate
- Whether this is a history of abuse in the relationship or a power imbalance
- Whether there is any room for compromise over a given issue
Consult with an experienced alternative dispute resolution law firm to make an informed decision about whether ADR is right for you.
What Role Do Lawyers Play In ADR For Family Law Cases?
Alternative dispute resolution lawyers guide clients through the ADR process. They give legal advice, advocate for clients’ interests, assist in communication, help evaluate settlement agreements, collaborate with other professionals and protect their clients’ rights and needs throughout the resolution process.
Contact An Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer Today
Whether it is collaborative law, mediation or arbitration, discussing your situation with our attorney can help you make informed decisions and potentially find fitting resolutions for your family’s needs. Call Cross Glazier Reed Burroughs, PC, at 317-669-9134 or use our online form to schedule a consultation today.