WHICH DIVORCE WILL YOU CHOOSE?

Traditionally, attorneys were hired to file a lawsuit and take the case to trial if a settlement was not reached through negotiation. During the last two decades, John Bump & Michael Moore has been very successful helping clients litigate cases in the court room. While some cases are still handled in this manner, we encourage our new clients to consider divorce in Minnesota options that can be faster, less expensive and more satisfying.

Our attorneys can assist you in resolving your dispute in any of the following ways:

• Collaborative divorce
• Litigation
• Mediation
• Neutral Case evaluation

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys, please contact us at: 714-644-7245.

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

Collaborative Divorce is a way to resolve disputes between people in a fair, open and respectful manner. In Collaborative Divorce, the goal is to reach a mutually acceptable settlement of a dispute using a team approach. The process involves attorneys, divorce coaches, a financial specialist and, if needed, a child specialist. These professionals work as co-equal problem-solvers, rather than adversaries. They agree to work in good faith to gather and share all information needed to reach an agreement.

Divorcing couples and their Collaborative Attorneys agree that they will not go to court to ask a judge to resolve their dispute.

LITIGATION

Each party retains an attorney who assists him or her in obtaining a legal judgment, including going to court, if necessary. The litigation attorney's role is to gather information through formal discovery methods if needed. The attorney then prepares the best possible presentation of the client's position. The attorney will work towards a settlement, and if needed, advocate the client's position in court.

Litigation is necessary in cases where there is high degree of conflict, when one party is unwilling to share information or actively hides it, or when a settlement cannot be reached through other means.

MEDIATION

A neutral mediator assists people in reaching a resolution acceptable to all. The mediator's role is to help the participants determine what is most important to them and to assist them in gathering the releMichaelt information needed to reach an agreement. The mediator acts as a facilitator and helps to guide the participants to an agreement. The mediator then puts the agreement in writing.

The attorneys at John Bump & Michael Moore work with their clients either as consultants so you are fully prepared for each issue which arises in mediation. Your attorney can also be an active participant if you wish. After the mediator sets out the agreement reached, your attorney will review that with you and draft the final Stipulation.

Many of our clients choose to have one of our attorneys present in the Mediation sessions to offer guidance and advice.

At John Bump & Michael Moore we are divorce attorneys dedicated to serving families in Hennepin County, Minneapolis, and communities throughout the Twin cities area. Call us at 714-644-7245 for a free phone consultation.