Collaborative Law & Private Judging

At the Law Offices of Nancy L. Sponseller , we believe in the lasting power of negotiated settlements. Our years of experience have proven to us that litigation may be necessary sometimes, but that less contentious procedures can often be much more effective and result in a restructured family.

Contact us to learn more about ways we can help you resolve divorce issues out of court. When you meet with us, we will explain our process for working with divorce clients. We will explain that litigation, while an option, is often an unnecessarily expensive option that can result in dissatisfaction and unresolved issues lasting for years. In particular, minor children are often profoundly affected and may suffer emotional and psychological damage that resurfaces throughout their adult lives. Many self-serving divorce lawyers will tell you differently, but the truth is that nobody wins when a divorce case goes to court. It is true that some cases may need to be litigated, but these cases are the minority. After reviewing your circumstances and all of the available alternatives to obtain a divorce, that includes litigation, you can decide what you want - what is best for you and your minor children.

What is Collaborative Law?

The Law Offices of Nancy L. Sponseller is part of Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Inc., a nonprofit group of collaborative law attorneys working to promote negotiated and mediated divorce settlements. Once you and your spouse have each chosen an attorney, the parties agree on the best ways to proceed. Typically, a date is agreed upon for the first meeting, at which you review and sign the collaborative divorce participation agreement and agree on an agenda for the next meeting. The parties may be given “homework” to produce and exchange information at the next meeting. At subsequent meeting(s) the parties work towards resolving issues by negotiating with the help of their attorneys, and other professionals if necessary, based on their interests. Once the issues have been settled the attorneys draft the agreement and documents required for the court. The parties then meet to review and sign the agreement. Finally, the parties appear before a judge to affirm the binding agreement.

What is a Private Judge?

Ohio family law courts are becoming more crowded every year, and many divorce cases now take place over a series of brief court sessions. Cases that should take two or three days to complete often become "bifurcated" or split across several sessions lasting many months. Attorneys must be kept on retainer and continue to build up fees waiting for a decision. Using a private judge can help eliminate these problems. A private judge hears the case just as it would be presented in courtroom. Most often it is a private judge who presides at a private hearing when the parties are finalizing their divorce or dissolution pursuant to a negotiated settlement including an agreement that results from the collaborative law process.

What about Costs?

Collaborative agreements and private judge settlements often cost much less than the costs of a contested divorce and both parties are likely to remain more permanently satisfied with the settlement. The cost of hiring a collaborative law attorney or a private judge may be split between the parties.

Learn more about divorce at our Family Law Practice Center .

Contact us to discuss whether a collaborative settlement might be best for your pending divorce settlement. We offer win win solutions.