More and more uncoupling couples are choosing mediation and collaborative methods to negotiate their divorce settlements smoothly

By Patricia Nugent

Dissolving a marriage is an undertaking often laced with animosity, antagonism and angst. Tensions can run high. That’s why more and more uncoupling couples are choosing mediation and collaborative methods to negotiate their divorce settlements smoothly. P. Lynn Seifert, a partner at Seifert & Cox, LLP Attorneys at Law in Richfield, explains the difference between the two.

“Mediation is the most frequent method I use to settle divorces,” she says. “As a neutral third party, I sit down with both sides and help them to come up with the fairest plan to divide assets and settle custody issues.”

In collaborative divorces, the two parties sit down with their respective lawyers and other professionals if desired, such as divorce coaches, financial planners and child specialists. They sign an agreement stating that they will not litigate the divorce.

“What both methods have in common is that they allow the parties to avoid the uncertain outcomes and high costs of going to court,” says Lynn.

“We are trained to facilitate helpful discussion to keep the parties talking toward a resolution that’s more affordable, less stressful, and meets both of their interests.”

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic spurred people to accomplish things virtually, Lynn has been providing virtual mediation and collaborative divorce. The process can take place during Zoom meetings. Documents can be downloaded from a secure site, e-signed and e-filed, making things very convenient for busy people.

“Our non-adversarial strategies put families first, always keeping the discourse civil and amicable,” she says.

Lynne and her partner, Melissa Cox, have made a name for themselves as a boutique law firm focusing on family law, divorce, custody, mediation, estate planning, estate administration/probate, estate tax and business succession planning.

Seifert & Cox, LLP Attorneys at Law is at 3998 Broadview Road, Suite A, in Richfield. Call 330-714-2225or visit SeifertCoxLaw.com for more information.