Keith Law & Mediation:
Family Law and Mediation Services Tailored to Your Needs
Through my collaborative family law practice, Keith Law & Mediation, I offer a range of services designed to help separating and divorcing couples and families find the best fit for their legal needs. These services include traditional legal services as well as Alternative Dispute Resolution services. I also provide prenuptial agreement services.
Legal Counseling and Representation—Family Law Cases
I provide legal counseling and representation in family law cases, including the following services:
- Marriage dissolution (divorce)/legal separation
- Marital agreements (prenuptial or postnuptial agreements)
- Non-marital cases (property division, parenting or child support for unmarried clients)
- Modifications of existing orders (including parenting or child support)
An important part of every family law case is deciding what approach makes sense for you, whether that's collaborative or cooperative, legal representation, or legal support.
Collaborative Law. There are three key qualities of collaborative law: The voluntary and free exchange of information between parties; the pledge not to litigate (go to court) and subsequent withdrawal of both attorneys and other team professionals if either party litigates; and a commitment to respect for both parties' shared goals. Collaborative law is a team-oriented approach to helping parties resolve the issues necessary to move forward in their lives. Find out more at www.collaborativepractice.com.
Cooperative Law. Similar to collaborative law, the cooperative approach relies on many of the same principles. It is common for cooperative cases to draw on collaboratively trained professionals and techniques. However, cooperative law cases do not require that both attorneys withdraw if going to court becomes necessary.
Legal Representation. An attorney is hired to act as your advocate and representative to the court and to the other party. In some cases, clients prefer that the information-gathering and negotiation phases be handled by an attorney, but in an amicable manner. To the extent possible, I assist clients in reaching resolution outside of court. In cases where court action is necessary, this is a service I also provide.
Legal support. Also called “legal coaching” or “pro se assistance,” an attorney provides assistance with evaluating options, preparing paperwork or other limited, specific assistance in a case. This kind of help can complement the management of your own case and/or your choice to work with a mediator.
Mediation and Mediation Support
In addition to legal services, I also offer facilitative-style mediation and mediation support. Mediation is a process where a neutral person (the mediator) facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to assist them in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding their dispute. Attorneys may or may not be present at mediation, depending on what is a “fit” for the parties. Mediate.com is an extremely informative website regarding the benefits and possibilities of mediation.
When You're Ready to Begin
For all services, I offer an hour-long initial consultation for $175. If you would like to learn more to determine whether collaborative or cooperative law or mediation services are the right fit for your legal needs, please contact me at (206) 523-3047.
