Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) : Types of Cases
Divorce
Divorcing parties may agree on all terms of their divorce decree, including parenting, child support, spousal maintenance, and disposition of marital assets, non-marital assets, and liabilities. This allows parties to avoid the financial and emotional cost of court hearings and trial. It also allows for good tax planning and creative problem solving, both resulting in agreements which may not be necessarily the same as the court might order.
Most couples need structure, support and assistance in coming to agreement on the above topics. Often, due to the high emotions surrounding divorce, they also need help in making their communications more effective. At Dispute Resolution Services, our neutral professionals help divorcing parties through mediation and other alternative dispute resolution services.
More about Divorce
Separation
At Dispute Resolution Services, we have learned that the term "separation" can mean various things to various people. Here are some of the different meanings of the word:
- Commonly, a separation means that one person in a married or unmarried couple has moved out of the homestead, or at least to another sleeping room.
- It may also mean that business partners or members of a church or other group are moving apart, temporarily or permanently.
When clients tell us that want a “legal separation,” often they really mean that they want an agreement (probably incorporated into a court order) which specifies parenting and financial arrangements under a physical separation which may be temporary or which may lead to a final ending of the relationship. With married couples, a divorce must be commenced if one or both parties wish to incorporate their agreements into a court order which makes them enforceable.
More about Separation
Post Decree Matters
“Post Decree” refers to topics which arise after a decree or other type of order has been entered. Often, a decree or order will require that the parties participate in mediation or other conflict resolution process before a disputed topic can be heard and decided by the court.
More about Post Decree Matters
Pre-Marital Agreements
Often referred to as an “antenuptial” or “prenuptial” contract, a pre-marital agreement can be an effective tool for individuals who are contemplating marriage. Under the law, marriage is a contract. Most contracts have several provisions about what would happen if the contract ends. Unfortunately, many people fail to consider what might happen to their finances, property and children if their marriage comes to an end.
More about Pre-Marital Agreements
Cohabitation
At Dispute Resolution Services, we can assist clients with cohabitation matters in two different ways.
- Mediation of Cohabitation Contracts
- Mediation, Private Decision Making and Neutral Evaluations Related to Separation of Cohabiting Parties
More about Cohabitation
Parenting Plans
We help our clients create parenting plans for all types of situations including those involving separation, divorce, and unmarried parents. We also assist parents who need to review, modify or enforce their existing parenting plans or custody arrangements.
More about Parenting Plans
Pet Matters
For many people, pets are part of a family’s structure. In some situations, the emotional attachment to pets is akin to a parent/child relationship. When a relationship ends, disagreements can arise over a number of topics related to the family pet(s). Such topics include future residence, access and decisions about on-going and long-term care.
Other Conflicts
At Dispute Resolution Services, we mediate other conflicts arising from family, small business or group relationships. In these situations, our clients desire to resolve their dispute and continue the relationship, or at the very least, to end the relationship in a cooperative and peaceful fashion. We are here to help you with your conflict resolution needs.
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