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Divorce and Family Law Office of Joanne Kleiner

Divorce Lawyer Joanne Kleiner

collaborative divorce

Oct 31, 2024

Divorce Trends: What Couples Need to Know

Divorce remains a significant life event that affects millions of couples worldwide each year. Understanding the latest trends in divorce and hiring an experienced divorce lawyer can help couples make informed decisions about their future, whether they’re considering separation, navigating divorce proceedings, or contemplating mediation as an alternative to litigation. The past few years have seen unique shifts in divorce trends, with changing perspectives on marriage, financial pressures, and social factors all playing a role. Here, we’ll explore the latest trends and what they mean for couples in 2024.

1. Divorce Rates Have Remained Stable Overall

According to recent statistics from the CDC, the divorce rate in the United States has held steady at around 2.7 divorces per 1,000 population in recent years. This rate reflects a significant decline from earlier decades, with some experts attributing this stability to delayed marriages, a greater emphasis on compatibility, and a shift in societal views on marriage. Despite this stability, approximately 40-50% of marriages in the United States still end in divorce, underscoring the importance of preparation and communication in relationships.

2. Divorce Among Older Couples Continues to Rise

One notable trend is the increase in divorce among couples over the age of 50—a phenomenon often referred to as “gray divorce.” According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the divorce rate for adults aged 50 and older has doubled since the 1990s. For those 65 and older, the rate has nearly tripled. Several factors contribute to this rise, including increased financial independence, longer life expectancy, and shifting expectations for retirement. Gray divorce often involves complex asset division, retirement funds, and spousal support, making experienced legal guidance crucial.

3. The Popularity of Alternative Ways to Divorce

As couples look for alternatives to traditional divorce litigation, mediation, collaborative divorce, and amicable divorce have become increasingly popular. Mediation, in which a neutral third party facilitates communication between both parties, can reduce the time and cost associated with divorce. According to the American Bar Association, mediation typically costs 40-60% less than litigation. Collaborative divorce, a process where both parties work with legal and financial professionals to reach an agreement outside of court, is also gaining traction. In 2024, more couples are choosing these approaches to minimize conflict and promote cooperative resolution.

At the Law Office of Joanne E. Kleiner, we believe that out of court settlement options are better for kids and often cost less while helping couples find fair and respectful solutions without the stress of court battles. These approaches offer a way to handle divorce with greater control and confidentiality, which can be especially beneficial for families with children.

4. Economic Uncertainty Influences Divorce Decisions

Economic pressures continue to influence divorce decisions. Financial strain, whether from inflation, job instability, or rising costs of living, can increase marital tension and prompt couples to reevaluate their relationships. According to a survey by the Institute for Family Studies, nearly 40% of couples reported that financial stress had negatively impacted their marriage. Furthermore, economic factors can delay divorce for some, as individuals feel financially unable to support themselves independently.

In this context, couples are increasingly mindful of the costs associated with divorce. Budget-conscious divorces often prioritize alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, over costly litigation. Mediation allows couples to control the pace and focus on cost-effective solutions, making it a valuable option for those facing financial uncertainty.

5. Custody Arrangements Are Becoming More Flexible

Historically, custody arrangements often favored mothers as primary caregivers, with limited visitation for fathers. However, this trend has shifted dramatically over the past decade. Today, nearly 50% of divorcing parents share joint custody, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of both parents’ roles in child development. Many family courts now prioritize joint custody arrangements whenever possible, aiming to support children’s best interests through balanced parenting time.

This shift has led to more flexible and customized custody plans, allowing families to create schedules that accommodate work commitments, school activities, and special events. At the Law Office of Joanne E. Kleiner, we emphasize child-centered solutions in divorce mediation, helping parents work collaboratively to develop a plan that prioritizes stability and well-being.

6. Digital Communication and Online Mediation Are on the Rise

As technology continues to shape every aspect of our lives, digital communication has entered the world of divorce proceedings. Virtual mediation has gained popularity, allowing couples to participate in mediation sessions from their own homes. Online mediation provides a convenient, accessible option for couples who may be living in different locations or facing travel limitations.

Studies indicate that online mediation is just as effective as in-person sessions, with some couples finding the virtual format reduces emotional tension. According to a 2022 survey by the International Mediation Institute, over 70% of participants reported high satisfaction with online mediation. For couples who value privacy, convenience, and reduced face-to-face confrontation, virtual mediation can be a highly effective solution.

7. Mental Health Awareness is Redefining Divorce

Mental health awareness has become a more significant factor in divorce and co-parenting arrangements. Couples are increasingly aware of the impact of stress and conflict on their mental health, as well as on their children’s emotional well-being. Mental health considerations play a role in parenting plans, with many parents opting for family counseling to support their children during the transition.

The Law Office of Joanne E. Kleiner recognizes the importance of mental health in divorce proceedings. We work with a network of counselors, therapists, and mental health professionals to ensure that clients have access to the emotional support they need. Our approach is designed to create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental wellness for all family members.

8. DIY Divorces and Limited Scope Representation

A final trend involves the rise of “DIY divorces” and limited scope representation. Some couples, particularly those with simpler financial situations and no children, are opting for do-it-yourself divorces to cut costs. Limited scope representation allows couples to handle certain aspects of their divorce independently, with an attorney’s guidance only for specific parts of the process.

This trend reflects the growing demand for affordable, flexible legal solutions. However, DIY divorces come with risks, and mistakes in documentation or filing can lead to future complications. If you’re considering limited scope representation, the Law Office of Joanne E. Kleiner can provide the legal advice you need to protect your interests, while keeping costs manageable.

What These Trends Mean for Couples Considering Divorce

The evolving landscape of divorce offers more choices than ever before. Whether it’s the option of joint custody, the flexibility of virtual mediation, or the support of collaborative divorce, couples today can approach divorce with greater control and less conflict. At the Law Office of Joanne E. Kleiner, we stay current with these trends to provide our clients with modern, effective solutions tailored to their needs.

If you’re considering divorce or need guidance on child custody, asset division, or mediation, our team is here to support you. With over 35 years of experience in family law, we bring a results-oriented, compassionate approach to every case. Schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at 215-886-1266 or contact us online to learn how we can help.

Final Thoughts

As divorce trends continue to evolve, understanding the options available to you is essential. From the rise of virtual mediation to the growth in joint custody arrangements, today’s divorce landscape is more flexible and supportive than ever. By staying informed, you can make decisions that protect your interests and create a stable foundation for the future. Let the Law Office of Joanne E. Kleiner guide you through this journey with expertise, dedication, and a commitment to achieving the best outcome for your family.

Jun 04, 2024

Why Wealthy Couples Might Opt for a Collaborative Divorce

Wealthy Couples Often Opt for Collaborative Divorce

The collaborative divorce process has gained in popularity in recent years because it can save couples both time and money. High-net-worth spouses tend to favor collaborative divorce because it allows them to resolve sensitive personal matters behind closed doors. Collaborative divorce is an alternative dispute resolution method similar to mediation, but no independent third party is present and both spouses are represented by their own attorneys. If the discussions are unproductive and an understanding cannot be reached at the negotiating table, the spouses must start again from square one and hire new lawyers. This ensures that the spouses and their attorneys work hard to find common ground and reach an agreement that they can all live with.

The History of Collaborative Divorce

The collaborative approach to conflict resolution during divorce was created in 1990 by a Minnesota family law attorney named Stuart Webb. Mr. Webb decided to pioneer a new way of dealing with delicate matters like property division, spousal support and child custody after noticing how the adversarial nature of traditional litigation often damaged his clients emotionally and financially. When a new client contacted Mr. Webb about getting a divorce, he told them that he would be happy to negotiate on their behalf during collaborative sessions but would not represent them in court. This approach proved to be extremely successful, and the collaborative divorce movement was born.

Since Mr. Webb had his epiphany in 1990, the collaborative divorce approach has taken root across the United States and in Canada, Australia and Europe. The process was formalized in 2009 when the Uniform Collaborative Law Act was adopted by the Uniform Law Commission. The ULC, which was founded in 1892, provides lawmakers with drafted legislation that can add clarity and bring stability to important areas of state law. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law Act in 2018.

The Collaborative Divorce Process

Before collaborative divorce sessions begin, both spouses sign a binding agreement that states they will participate in the process and hire new lawyers if an agreement cannot be reached. In traditional negotiations, each spouse lays out their position when talks begin and then does all they can to make as few concessions as possible. In collaborative discussions, spouses voice their reasons for wanting to avoid conflict and then work to find common ground. The attorneys present work together instead of against each other to help their clients get through difficult issues, and experts like therapists, child psychologists, forensic accountants and asset appraisers may be called upon to answer questions and provide advice.

Why Wealthy Couples Often Choose Collaborative Divorce

The adversarial nature of the legal system can drag divorces out and make them messy and expensive, and this is especially true when the spouses involved are wealthy and have much to lose. The collaborative process makes a great deal of sense for high-net-worth spouses because it offers them:

  • Privacy: Courtrooms are public venues, which means anything said or disclosed in them can be discussed freely or published in print or online. Collaborative discussions take place behind closed doors, which means they are private.
  • Reputational protection: The allegations made in a divorce case can be salacious and damaging to the reputations of individuals in the public eye. Uncomfortable revelations about financial matters could be fuel for gossip or give business competitors information they could use to their advantage.
  • Cost savings: Wealthy individuals tend to hire the best divorce lawyers, which means a protracted trial could be quite expensive. Wrapping things up quickly and discreetly could save the spouses a lot of money.
  • Time savings: High-net-worth individuals often have busy schedules and little free time. If they are able to negotiate divorce settlements quickly, they can use the time they save to build their businesses or brands.
  • Control: Taking a divorce case to court ensures that a final decision will be made, but there is no guarantee that either party will be happy with the judge’s decision. Reaching an agreement in a collaborative fashion gives spouses control over their fates. Avoiding court also makes divorce far less traumatic for any children involved.

Is the Collaborative Approach Right for You?

If you are contemplating divorce and would prefer to avoid conflict and confrontation, the collaborative approach could be a good option for you. If you decide to explore this alternative, you should look for a divorce lawyer who understands the process and has a track record of success. Joanne Kleiner is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and she has been practicing family law for 35 years. You can schedule a confidential consultation with Ms. Kleiner at our Jenkintown office by calling (215) 886-1266 or filling out our online form.

May 11

Choosing Your Collaborative Divorce Attorney

How to Select a Lawyer for Your Collaborative Divorce

Multiple methods can be used to obtain a divorce, and each one requires different skills and experience on the part of the lawyer who assists you. If you are seeking a process that is less confrontational than litigation and allows you to work with your estranged spouse in a respectful manner, you might want to opt for a collaborative divorce. As part of this, you will want to select an attorney who has significant prior experience in this type of matter.

The Collaborative Divorce Process

A collaborative divorce is an alternative dispute resolution method that couples can use when they want to resolve their issues without going to court. If they choose to go this route, they work with professionals such as their respective lawyers as well as financial analysts and mental health experts to reach solutions to the issues that both parties can be satisfied with. Spouses commit to attempting to resolve their issues out of court by signing an agreement. The agreement also includes a provision that if the collaborative divorce process fails, neither lawyer will be allowed to represent their client in court during any ensuing litigation.

Start With Recommendations and Reviews

When you begin looking for a divorce lawyer to work with you in your collaborative divorce, you can ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also speak to other law professionals who might have suggestions for you. Finally, you should read reviews of different collaborative lawyers to gain a sense of their work and help you decide to set up initial consultations.


The Importance of Experience

One of the most important things you will want to find out about is the collaborative lawyer’s experience. To do this, you might inquire about their successful experience with clients who used the collaborative process for divorce and about any current cases that they might be handling. This conversation can help you figure out the lawyer’s commitment to resolving divorce issues out of court as well as their ability to address any challenges that might arise during the process.

Looking for the Right Background

Experience is not the only crucial factor when choosing a lawyer for your collaborative divorce. You will also want to look at their education and any specialized training that can show you how they developed their collaborative skills. Specialized training might include having completed a course specific to collaborative divorce from a reputable organization. You might also want to look at any on-going training that shows that they are staying current with the process and any legislation involving collaborative divorce.

Relationships With Other Professionals

Divorce often includes other areas that must be addressed during the process. This might mean sessions with a therapist or life coach or the assistance of finance professionals during the division of property and settlement negotiations. If your divorce attorney has built relationships with other professionals who might be needed during the process, this can help make the proceedings smoother and more efficient.

Your Initial Consultation

Once you have narrowed your choices for a potential attorney, you should set up initial meetings with each of them. During these meetings, you can evaluate several things beyond their experience and training to help you make a final decision, including:

  • Compatibility with your personality and your goals
  • The way they approach the process
  • Their ability to answer questions in a knowledgeable and open manner
  • The way they communicate, including their style and response time

If you are ready to begin your search for an experienced Pennsylvania collaborative divorce lawyer, you can call us at 215-886-1266 to set up an initial consultation at our office in Jenkintown. We are ready to listen to your questions and offer you personalized service and attention. At the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Dec 05, 2023

Should You Choose Collaborative Divorce?

With a success rate of 86%, collaborative divorce offers couples in Pennsylvania and around the country an alternative to litigation. If you want a divorce process that helps you and your spouse work towards an amicable resolution of your issues, a collaborative divorce might be right for you. While it might not work for all couples, you can benefit from this alternative to litigation in both the short and long run.

Understanding the Collaborative Divorce Process

In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will each work with your own respective divorce lawyer and other members of your divorce team to collaborate on resolving the issues of your break up. The goal of this process is to foster a relationship focused on problem-solving between the spouses. The steps to achieve this include:

  • Gathering your team of professionals to support and guide you during this process
  • Signing an agreement at the beginning that commits both spouses to this format without either being allowed to file anything in court until issues are resolved together
  • Understanding that if communication and negotiations fail each person’s team will be dismantled
  • Committing to being honest and transparent about the disclosure of information during the work sessions
  • Filing a divorce agreement in court after successful negotiations

What Issues Can You Resolve During the Collaborative Divorce Process?

If you choose to collaborate on your divorce process, you can resolve most, if not all, of your issues. Some of these include:

  • Asset and debt division, including insurance policies, investments and retirement accounts
  • Child custody, including parenting time and schedule
  • Child support payment details
  • Alimony or spousal support agreements

Short-term Benefits

This collaboration process allows you and your spouse to resolve issues out of the courtroom, keeping your information private. Working together and focusing on the issues can also help you work towards a faster divorce, saving you money. It will also allow you both to develop positive communication skills, which can improve your relationship, and it can even help you on your parenting journey as you continue raising your children after the divorce is final. Finally, a collaborative process can make it easier for you to heal emotionally since the feelings are positive and productive rather than spiteful and acrimonious as is found in some litigated divorces.

Long-term Benefits

A collaborative divorce allows you and your spouse, along with each person’s divorce lawyer and team, to negotiate over your assets and debts, helping you to find creative solutions to set you up for a stable financial life moving forward. You also become an example for your children by demonstrating your ability to solve problems and your commitment to them as a family, something that might not be possible in a dramatic courtroom battle.

When is Collaborative Divorce Not the Best Choice?

While the collaborative divorce process might be intriguing, there are situations where it might not be favorable or possible to engage in it. For example, if there is a history of domestic abuse and one spouse fears for their safety around the other, then collaboration is not an option. Another reason why it might not work is if your relationship with your spouse has deteriorated so much that you simply cannot get along or even speak to each other since open and amicable communication is at the center of this process.

Committing to the Process

The success of collaborative divorce hinges on the commitment of both spouses and their teams to negotiate in good faith. If both parties are willing to do this, there is a good chance that you will arrive at a fair resolution.

If you are interested in exploring the collaborative divorce process, you can call us at the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner at 215-886-1266 to schedule an appointment at our Jenkintown offices. We are ready to help you solve your issues out of court. You can also fill out our contact form to request a consultation to find out how we can help you achieve an amicable divorce that allows you to look positively at the future.

Jul 12, 2023

Choosing the Right Mediator for Your Amicable Divorce

When couples choose to pursue an amicable divorce, they often are able to significantly avoid stress and promote healthy resolutions. One crucial element in achieving a successful amicable divorce is finding the right mediator. Mediators are trained professionals tasked with helping couples navigate the divorce process by facilitating open communication, fostering compromise, and guiding them towards mutually beneficial agreements. 

In an amicable divorce, a mediator plays a vital role in guiding couples through the process by acting as a neutral third party, facilitating communication, and helping spouses find common ground. Mediators are trained professionals skilled in conflict resolution techniques, and they work to create an environment conducive to productive discussions. By understanding their unique approach, couples can make an informed decision about engaging a mediator for their amicable divorce.

Every divorce situation is unique, and couples should assess their specific needs and goals before choosing a mediator. Consider factors such as child custody arrangements, property division, financial agreements, and communication dynamics. Understanding your priorities and expectations will help you find a mediator who can address your specific concerns and guide you towards desired outcomes.

A mediator’s qualifications and experience are key factors in determining their suitability for your amicable divorce. Look for mediators with relevant training, certifications, and experience in handling amicable divorces and related family law matters. Consider their professional memberships and commitment to ethical standards to ensure they adhere to the established guidelines and best practices of an amicable divorce.

Woman sitting across from man with a laptop in a professional setting.

Familiarize yourself with the typical steps involved in the mediation process. From the initial meeting to the final agreement, mediators guide couples through discussions, helping them navigate issues such as child custody, asset division, and financial arrangements. Understand the importance of confidentiality, voluntary participation, and the mediator’s role in facilitating productive dialogue and finding common ground.

Choose a mediator who specializes in amicable divorces and cooperative dispute resolution. These individuals have specific expertise in preserving relationships, promoting healthy co-parenting, and facilitating mutually satisfactory resolutions.

Weigh all the factors discussed above, including qualifications, experience, compatibility, and cost, to make an informed decision. Trust your instincts and choose a mediator who aligns with your values, needs, and goals. Remember, selecting the right mediator is crucial for a successful amicable divorce, as they will guide you through the process and help you achieve a positive outcome.

At the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner, our team has plenty of experience helping people to divorce outside of court. Our clients can count on us to make the process as simple, fast, and stress-free as possible. To set up a free consultation with a Jenkintown divorce lawyer, call 215-886-1266 or email us today.