Divorce Does Not Have To Be A Battle
If you are worried about your child’s future, if you are concerned about your financial stability, or if you are facing any of the other serious issues related to divorce or child support, you can find the proven counsel you need at Chase, Berenstein and Murray, Counselors at Law, in Burlingame.
With decades of family law experience, our attorney is ready to help you resolve your divorce as amicably as possible. We seek to help our clients preserve their family relationships and move forward through divorce mediation or collaborative divorce. Together, we can help you find positive, long-term solutions tailored to you and your family. Learn more about our approach to divorce and family law.
Make Informed Decisions About Divorce
We provide individualized legal service for virtually all matters of family law, including child custody, child support, property division, mediation and more.
Whatever divorce issue you may need to navigate, we are prepared to offer you the professional representation you deserve. For every client, we take the time to listen to you, discuss ways we can achieve your goals, and teach you what to anticipate at each step of your divorce.
Our goal is to help you get the information and resources you need to confidently make informed decisions that benefit you and your loved ones. Our law firm is ready to help you get the personalized and positive direction you need to start the next chapter of your life.
Start Your Legal Journey With The Right Information
Below, we answer some of the most common questions people have about divorce so you can feel more confident and prepared as you begin this process.
How does collaborative divorce handle complex assets?
Collaborative divorce brings in financial professionals, such as forensic accountants or financial advisors, to help both spouses get a clear and fair picture of what these assets are worth. These professionals work with both of you to assess the value of things like stock options, equity in a tech company or a privately owned business. Because collaborative divorce encourages open communication and full financial transparency, both spouses have access to the same information, which makes it easier to reach a fair agreement without going to court.
What neutral third-party experts are involved in a collaborative divorce, and how are their fees split?
Each spouse has their own attorney to represent their interests. The team also includes neutral professionals who work with both of you together. These may include a financial planner, a child specialist to advocate for your children’s best interests, and business evaluators and appraisers for complex assets. Fees are most commonly split 50/50, though you can agree to split them based on your respective incomes if that makes more sense for your situation.
Can we use collaborative divorce if we strongly disagree on child custody?
Yes, you can still use collaborative divorce even if you and your spouse strongly disagree on child custody. In fact, collaborative divorce is designed to help parents work through difficult disagreements like this. A child specialist will join your team to represent your children’s best interests and help you and your spouse understand what arrangement will work best for them. The goal is to find a solution that prioritizes your child’s well-being while respecting both parents’ concerns.
How does collaborative divorce compare to litigation in cost and timeline?
In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse work together with a team of professionals to reach an agreement. This allows you to avoid the high costs of courtroom battles, multiple court appearances and drawn-out legal procedures. Furthermore, because you are not waiting for court dates or following a judge’s schedule, the collaborative method typically moves faster than litigation.
How do we handle finances and living arrangements during the process?
Before the collaborative divorce process begins, it helps to gather all your financial documents, including bank statements, tax returns, mortgage documents and investment accounts. Taking stock of your assets, debts and monthly expenses gives both spouses a clear and honest picture of your financial situation from the start. This open approach makes discussions about dividing assets smoother and more productive.
The family home is often one of the most emotional parts of divorce, but collaborative divorce gives you the space to work through it together. If one spouse wants to stay in the home, your team helps you figure out whether taking on the mortgage alone is financially realistic. If selling makes more sense, you can work together to divide the proceeds fairly.
Contact Us To Learn More
Find out how Chase, Berenstein and Murray, Counselors at Law, can help you. Call us at 650-642-3897 or send an email today.
