Empowering People through Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Family Lawyer Lenita Skoretz

As a divorce mediation attorney in Redlands, California, I see an increasing number of divorcing couples choose to work cooperatively together to reach divorce resolutions that are acceptable to them-rather than rely upon a judge who does not know them to make a ruling, which is rarely satisfactory.

I use the collaborative divorce process and mediation to help clients understand and then reach their own goals. In a divorce trial, the judge has only limited options to order-no creativity or resolution of non-legal issues can be accomplished. With these forms of alternative dispute resolution, what the true issues are, what the options are, and what the agreement will be is entirely up to you and your ex-spouse.

We begin by identifying the issues upon which the couple can agree, and then go over the issues where there is less agreement. When you and your ex-spouse arrive at a resolution that meets your real needs and works for both of you, both of you are more likely to honor it. The process can also help build a solid working relationship that you will need if you have children together, a joint business, or any other ongoing contact.

In a Collaborative divorce, I work together with my client, their ex-spouse and their lawyer, and a professional counselor to create divorce, property settlement, child custody and co-parenting ("visitation"), alimony, and collaborative child support agreements that truly reflect the needs and goals of the couple. As a mediator, I help couples communicate and maintain a respectful atmosphere in which to come to a workable agreement.

When to Use the Collaborative Divorce Process or Divorce Mediation

• When both parties want to engage in a more private, less antagonistic, and less time-consuming process
• When both parties want to cooperate and have demonstrated that they can cooperate
• When both parties believe that the other party is able to be honest and cooperative

When Not to Use the Collaborative Divorce Process or Divorce Mediation

• When one party has not agreed to participate
• If there has been abuse in the relationship
• When one party believes the other party has not been honest, is hiding income or assets, or cannot cooperate honestly

When agreements have been reached, I can prepare appropriate the legal paperwork, which will be reviewed by the couple and by the attorney for the other spouse before submission to the court for a judge's approval. Having a lawyer properly draft these contracts is essential if they are to be enforceable and protect your interests and your children's rights.

Why let a judge who does not know you make some of the most important decisions in your life? You alone have the knowledge and the power to make the best decisions for your life. I can help you do that, even in the difficult circumstances of divorce. Contact me to discuss the empowering option of collaborative divorce.

Attorney Lenita Skoretz provides legal counsel to individuals and families in Redlands and Riverside counties in California, including the cities of Redlands, San Bernardino, Yucaipa, Fontana, Loma Linda, and Riverside.