“Divorce is difficult, but I never regretted choosing the collaborative process. Guided by my attorney and mental health coach, I was able to make my own decisions about my future and asset division at a pace that was comfortable for me.”
Carrie, married 25 years and mother of two children
“I chose collaborative family law because I wanted a respectful process. My main interest was our daughter. Ultimately, I did not want to leave a negative legacy. We were able to maintain control of the outcome, rather than accepting the terms of an imposed order. We also realized significant savings by avoiding them.”
Jerry, married 27 years
I think one of the most important characteristics Tom has is the ability to blend his knowledge and experience in a very particular way that benefits all parties involved, including children, if they are caught up in the quagmire of divorce. Tom and I have always worked together as a team as I drew upon his experience and knowledge trying to make not just the best decision but the right decision for all parties concerned. Children often get used as pawns to emotionally harm one or the other parent and I feel this is where Tom uses his ability to blend his knowledge and experience to get people to think, take a step back and work out a functional solution to end the adult relationship and manage the parent child relationship to best serve everyone involved. I recommend Tom not only because he is one of the finest family law attorneys but also because of his unique approach at applying his knowledge and experience.” April 28, 2009
Steve DeZoete
Hired Tom on more than one occasion
Thanks, Tom, for taking the time to fight for me when I couldn’t, to listen, to help. . . . Thanks for being the kind of person who made a difference in my world.
Cathy, married 12 years and mother of two children
“We make decisions about our children together.”
“I chose the collaborative method in my divorce because I didn’t want to add stress to an already emotional situation, and because my former spouse and I both shared the same goal: to protect our children and address their ongoing needs above all other issues. We reached an agreement we’re both satisfied with and maintain a positive relationship. Approaching our situation collaboratively ensures the kind of cooperation we’ll need as we raise our kids into adulthood.”
Laura, married 10 years and mother of three
“The collaborative process allows you to turn that next page and start a new chapter in your life. This process helped me immensely with the children. It controlled the nitpicking – letting us move forward more quickly. It helped put the hurt behind us and let the healing begin.”
L.J., married 14 years and father of two children
“We are great parents together, even though we live in separate houses.”
“The collaborative process enabled my former wife and me to amicably work together through our divorce proceedings, and put the best interests of our daughter ahead of our personal differences.”
Richard, married 10 years and father of one child
“Divorce by its very word is adversarial, but I truly believe that with the help of my coach, attorney, child specialist and financial specialist, we were able to get through this stressful event in a manner that was respectful to each other, and most importantly, in consideration our son’s needs. To discuss, compromise and agree on the things that would affect the rest of our lives was much better than having a judge who didn’t know us make those decisions for us. All of the professionals involved in our case were compassionate, helpful and nonjudgmental. This is not to say our divorce wasn’t difficult, but today we are able to work together and co-parent as partners. I cannot imagine going through a traditional divorce knowing that there are better alternatives out there, especially when there are children involved.”
Karen, used all team members
“Collaborative law is the way to go for people who want to stay friends in the long run”