Law Offices Specializing in DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW COLLABORATIVE LAW PRACTICE
COOPERATIVE DIVORCE & MEDIATION ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
ABOUT EMILY LYNN SINGER, ESQ.
Ms. Singer has practiced law in Nassau County and Suffolk County for more than 20 years. In addition to litigation and representing clients in divorce and family law actions in the Supreme and Family Courts, her practice includes Collaborative Law and Divorce & Family Mediation, two non-adversarial approaches to divorce. In Collaborative Divorce and in Divorce and Family Mediation the parties and professionals work cooperatively together, in a private setting, to create mutually advantageous solutions. The parties retain their ability to make decisions rather than deferring decision-making to a Judge or third party. The Collaborative and Mediation processes preserve privacy, encourage the self-determination of the parties, minimize conflict and damage to the parties and their children, and resolve the issues and concerns in more respectful manner. However, collaborative practice and mediation are approaches that require the cooperation of both parties, which is not always possible. There are various factors that may present a situation not well-suited for mediation or collaborative practice. In these instances, Emily L. Singer represents clients in actions for divorce or separation that require Judicial intervention and litigation before the court. (This is discussed further in "Options")
A DYNAMIC PERSPECTIVE
OPTIONS
Essentially there are four options to consider when choosing how to proceed in divorce or in obtaining a legal separation. These options include: Mediation, Collaborative Law Practice, Cooperative Law Practice, and Contested Divorce/Separation (Litigation). (See the "OPTIONS" tab for further discussion on these options.)
Ending a marriage is an emotional, difficult, and frequently overwhelming experience. Proceedings through the Court System are adversarial in nature and minimize the opportunity for compromise and resolution between the disputants. Of considerable importance, "Autonomy" is lost in the litigation process. In most instances, the voice of each party is heard through their counsel. Both counsel address the Court, commonly in the Judge's Chambers without the parties, and the attorneys report back to their clients. This often proves to be a mystifying and often frustrating approach for the parties. In litigation before the Court, the various issues in dispute are determined by the Judge. Mediation and Collaborative Law are alternative approaches to dispute resolution that have a great deal to offer those individuals who want to be primarily involved in the decisions as to their future and that of their family. Preserving the self-determination by each party is the cornerstone of both mediation and collaborative law.
Onlyyou and your spouse can decide which option best suits your needs and those of your family. In the first three models, the parties have the opportunity to find resolution outside of Court, utilizing a process designed to achieve mutual benefits for each party, and which considers the needs of the entire family. However, we recognize that approaches that require the cooperation of both parties are not always practicable and that representation by experienced divorce counsel in the Supreme Court (Matrimonial Part), and sometimes the Family Court, may be necessary and advisable.
Ending a marriage is an emotional, difficult, and frequently overwhelming experience. Proceedings through the Court System are adversarial in nature and minimize the opportunity for compromise and resolution between the disputants. Of considerable importance, "Autonomy" is lost in the litigation process. In most instances, the voice of each party is heard through their counsel. Both counsel address the Court, commonly in the Judge's Chambers without the parties, and the attorneys report back to their clients. This often proves to be a mystifying and often frustrating approach for the parties. In litigation before the Court, the various issues in dispute are determined by the Judge. Mediation and Collaborative Law are alternative approaches to dispute resolution that have a great deal to offer those individuals who want to be primarily involved in the decisions as to their future and that of their family. Preserving the self-determination by each party is the cornerstone of both mediation and collaborative law.
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OTHER LEGAL & MEDIATION SERVICES
In addition to divorce and separation, the office also provides counsel, mediation services, and legal representation in proceedings for enforcement and for modification of support and custody orders and related family law matters.
Legal counsel and Mediation services are also available for family businesses, partnerships and disputes between corporate officers and shareholders, as well as issues and disputes concerning Family Trust and Estates.
Legal counsel and Mediation services are also available for family businesses, partnerships and disputes between corporate officers and shareholders, as well as issues and disputes concerning Family Trust and Estates.
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