The Collaborative Process

A Leader in Sonoma County the Collaborative Process

The emerging field of the collaborative process for resolving Family Law disputes marks a dramatic departure from the traditional adversarial model. Although the collaborative process is new for many attorneys, it has long been my deeply-held belief that a collaborative style "win-win" approach affords the optimal health and well-being (emotional and financial) for all involved. And although not every case is appropriate for the collaborative process, at the Law Offices of Robert E. Marmor there are many situations in which I successfully use collaborative methods to achieve positive results for clients.

A Healthier Approach

The essence of the collaborative process is the commitment of the collaborative attorneys and the parties to resolve problems out of court, through negotiation and agreement rather than through conflict and litigation.

While I am fully prepared to litigate on behalf of my clients when the situation warrants, in many cases I advise against it.  All too often, the adversarial approach only inflames the division and strains that can exist when spouses separate. In the collaborative process, the attorneys and parties commit to treating each other with respect and dignity and to resolving conflicts out of court.

The advantages of the collaborative process over the adversarial approach include:

• Reduced bitterness and stress
• Lower legal costs as compared to litigation
• More control over the process and more predictable results
• Focuses on the emotional well-being of the parties and their children
• A team of financial, mental health and other specialists can be brought in to assist the parties and their children

As a charter member of the Collaborative Council of the Redwood Empire, I work closely with other collaborative attorneys and professionals in developing collaborative techniques and resources for use throughout our region. In October 2004, NorthBay Biz magazine published an article about the use of the collaborative process in the Sonoma-Marin-Napa area entitled “Can’t We All Just Get Along?”, which provides an excellent overview of the process as it is practiced in our area.

I have found the collaborative process to be a useful tool in resolving many types of family law matters. While not appropriate in every situation, it offers valuable emotional and financial benefits for my clients and their children.

To arrange for an initial consultation with me, lawyer Robert E. Marmor, call 707-578-2100 or contact me online.

Serving clients in Santa Rosa, California and the communities of Healdsburg, Cloverdale, Windsor, Petaluma, and Sebastopol, and surrounding areas in Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Lake County, and Marin County.

Law Offices of Robert E. Marmor
3333 Mendocino Avenue
Suite 202
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2233
Phone: (707) 578-2100
Fax: (707) 546-1360