COLLABORATIVE LAW

I am a member of the Collaborative Lawyers of Southeast Florida. Please see our website for information about this exciting new way to resolve disputes without going to court.

MY PHILOSOPHY

As a family lawyer I must wear several hats. The first is my role as your attorney; to protect your interests and legal rights and to help you understand the options available to you and consequences of choosing a particular option. The second is my role as your counselor; To guide you through the goal of resolution and assist in your decision making process.

As a collaborative lawyer, I also have a third role, which takes effect when all parties and their counsel sign the Participation Agreement. That role is to assist your spouse's attorney to implement an agreement which meets, as much as possible, both parties individual needs, addresses each party's fears and concerns, and results in an agreement that each feels comfortable in accepting and following. This is particularly important when there are children involved as both parties will have a continuing role in that child's life no matter what the age of the child.

Finally, in all three roles, it is important that you, as the client, feel comfortable in communicating with me. You will be informed of everything that is occurring with your case, receive copies of all correspondence, and have your phone calls returned promptly.

MY BACKGROUND

I graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1986, Magna Cum Laude. I attended law school when I was in my early 30s, going two years at night and the last year during the day. During my last two years of law school I had the privilege of serving as an Articles and Comments Editor of the University of Miami Law Review.

In addition to my Bachelors of Arts degree, from Hunter College in New York City, I also have a Masters of Public Administration from New York University.

Prior to attending law school I worked as a teacher in both public and private schools, obtained an NASD license to sell bonds, and started a business. I also have a real estate license.

I have been Certified as a Family Law Mediator for several years and have been requested by private individuals, as well as through court appointments, to act in that capacity.

I am a founding member of the Collaborative Lawyers of South Florida.

I believe my varied background has assisted me in my family law practice by giving me an insight to many of the issues raised by my clients.

Awards, Honors and Accomplishments

1. Woodrow Wilson Scholar Award in Political Science.
2. Magna Cum Laude Graduate of University of Miami School of Law.
3. Initiated member of Order of the Coif, the National Legal Honor Society.
4. Articles and Comments Editor of the University of Miami School of Law.
5. Member of the Society of Wig and Robe, the honorary society of the University Miami School of law for scholarship and service.
6. Awards in Torts and Civil Procedure from the University of Miami School of Law.
7. Founding member of the Collaborative Lawyers of South Florida.
8. Member of the Board of Directors of the Florida International School of Nursing.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Including Divorce; Pre-Nuptials; Post-Nuptials; Child Support Modification; Child Support Arrearage; Visitation; Issues regarding Relocation; and Step-Parent adoption.

I am a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, with extensive experience in this area of alternative dispute resolution.

I also am a founding member of the Collaborative Family Lawyers of South Florida, and currently the President of Collaborative Lawyers, Inc., also known as Collaborative Lawyers of Southeast Florida.