Find Lawyers in Dallas, Texas for Collaborative Law: Family Law
Practice Area Overview
In traditional divorce litigation, the parties look to the court system and judges to resolve their dispute viewing the other as the adversary. The process can result in considerable emotional and financial cost to the family. Collaborative Law is a non-adversarial process that views a family in divorce as a family in crisis that has a series of problems to be solved, rather than a series of battles to be fought. The end goal is to meet the legitimate needs of everyone involved in a restructured family.
The process starts with both Husband and Wife retaining unaffiliated collaboratively trained attorneys who commit, in writing, not to go to court but instead to work together to help the couple reach agreements beneficial to all. If an agreement cannot be reached and one or both parties choose to proceed to court, the attorneys and experts are disqualified from proceeding further on an adversarial basis. With the focus on problem solving instead of adversarial representation, there is a strong likelihood conflict will be reduced, allowing the couple to resolve and reach agreements.
The parties meet privately with their respective lawyers and possibly additional experts, called “Team Members” who may include a child specialist, a neutral financial professional, and divorce coaches, all of whom perform a valuable service helping to minimize conflict and cost by guiding the parties towards an amicable resolution.
Collaborative law is similar to but differs from mediation in some significant respects. In mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates the parties’ negotiation to help reach a settlement but cannot give legal advice, advocate for either side, or draft the final legal papers necessary. In Collaborative Law, both parties have independent lawyers present during negotiation to provide legal advice in an educational context, thereby empowering the clients to make informed decisions about their lives and their children’s lives. When agreement is reached, the collaborative lawyers will prepare all the papers necessary and will accompany the parties to court to finalize their case.
Donald C. Schiller, Senior Partner
Schiller DuCanto & Fleck
Rebecca is a fighter. She fights for her clients, her clients’ children, her clients’ financial well-being, and her clients’ futures. And she fights to win. Her prowess in the courtroom is well known throughout the legal community. She’s prepared, astute, quick-witted, and good on her feet. Even attorneys on the other side of the table appreciate working with her; yes, she’s an ardent advocate for the people she represents, but she’s also fair, good-natured...
As a former child abuse caseworker and judge, Angie has witnessed firsthand the destruction that protracted conflict causes in families. Her experience has led her to believe strongly in interest-based settlements of family conflict. She encourages her clients to consider the collaborative law process, because it allows them to fashion their own solutions and begin anew in the best manner possible. As a widely recognized advocate of collaborative law, Angie has traveled around the U.S. teachi...
Every family law matter, just like every person, is different. As such, Greg Beane provides each client with personalized attention throughout each step of the case. A careful listener, he focuses on his clients’ individual goals as he strives to obtain a favorable result. Greg’s background in accounting and finance have helped him to lead clients through one of the most significant financial transactions of their lives while protecting and preserving their assets for the future. ...
“Divorce is a complex and emotional process; I realize that clients need a strong advocate with a level head who will listen attentively and allow them to vent, process and heal.” — Esther R. Donald Esther Donald is an excellent resource in all areas of family law and particularly accomplished in cases where children are involved. A parent and stepparent herself, she mixes her life experiences with logic, patience and persuasion to move even the most emotional cases toward a...
Melinda Eitzen, recently recognized by D Magazine as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” and one of the “Best Family Law Mediators in Dallas”, is an attorney on the forefront of the collaborative law movement in Texas. She is credentialed as a Master in collaborative practice by Collaborative Divorce Texas.Focused on multimillion-dollar divorces, custody modifications, paternity cases, and premarital agreements, Melinda Eitzen is highly experienced in all facets of fam...
Clients throughout the Greater Dallas area hire Robert Epstein when they need an experienced family law attorney with the strategic capabilities, creativity and intense drive to resolve challenging cases both in and out of the courtroom. He guides clients with diverse goals and financial circumstances through all types of family law matters, including divorce proceedings, child custody cases, prenuptial and post-marital agreements, collaborative divorces, modifications of visitation and paren...
Abby Ewing has built a family law practice representing people from all walks of life, from single mothers to CEOs and entrepreneurs during some of the most difficult times in their lives. She’s shown a unique ability to understand and relate to those she represents at the most fundamental level, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Ms. Ewing has experience in complex property division cases, as well as pre- and postmarital agreements and child support and custody matters, includin...
“While many of my cases are litigated, my training in collaborative law ensures that every effort is taken to reach a resolution in the most cost-effective and clear manner possible.” – Aimee Pingenot With a compassionate focus and an eye towards the future, Aimee works with clients to skillfully assist them in identifying their goals and guide them towards a resolution in often complex and contentious family law matters. Having a Master’s degree in social work provide...
Beth E. Maultsby has dedicated much of her life to helping families by serving as a judge, lawyer and social worker. A partner at the firm since 2005, she practices all aspects of family law including complex property issues and child-related matters. As a skilled problem-solver, Ms. Maultsby guides families through challenging issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and child abuse. Utilizing her extensive experience in working with families, she provides clients w...
With extensive experience in cases involving divorce, custody and marital property agreements, Chris is comfortable in the chaos that comes with family law. No issue is too big or too small for Chris and his team to handle. As a skilled litigation and collaborative family law attorney, clients find comfort in knowing that Chris will be there guiding them through each step of their case with the knowledge and expertise needed to achieve the best possible outcome. Just as no two families are th...
Family law matters play no favorites, and it affects couples of every distinction. Jim Mueller is well-versed in the wide range of issues involved. As Managing Partner with Verner Brumley Mueller Parker PC, board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law and a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Jim's practice concentrates on complex divorce matters and contested custody litigation. He approaches all his divorce cases with the goal of helping client...
Julie Quaid is a partner in the firm of Quaid Farish, LLC whose practice is limited to matrimonial law. Quaid Farish and all its lawyers are Martindale-Hubbell "AV" rated and are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, the highest ratings a lawyer and a law firm can receive. Julie provides her clients with a full spectrum of family law services, including collaborative divorce, pre and post-marital agreements, domestic partnership agreements, complex property issues and child relate...
Reagan doesn’t miss a thing. She’s sharp, detail-oriented, and formidable. Having grown up in more than a dozen cities across the United States, she has an almost uncanny ability to connect with people and find her footing in new situations–excellent skills for a family law attorney to have. "Because I’ve lived in so many different communities, I understand and appreciate different perspectives,” says Reagan. “Being able to see all sides of any matter allow...
Practice Areas Family Law Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Collaborative Law Practice Emphasis Jessica has a diverse trial practice that focuses on family law and business litigation. She has extensive experience in handling family law cases, including divorce, child custody, asset division, property and business valuation, paternity, financial support and many other issues that arise in a family law context. Jessica has tried many family cases as well as worked with her clients ...
I represent a wide range of clients, including professionals, working parents, physicians, and their spouses or partners who want to trust that their lawyer is there for them and will protect their interests. Many of my clients are dealing with the challenges of divorce and other family law matters while also taking care of children, elderly parents, and/or pursuing a career. My goal is to alleviate the stress that comes with making life-changing decisions and help clients through the transit...
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