Divorce and Family Law Office of Joanne Kleiner

Divorce Lawyer Joanne Kleiner

Child custody

Oct 09

What Are the Types of Divorce and the Litigation Alternatives?

Are There Alternatives to a Divorce in Court?

In 2020, 58,960 couples got married in Pennsylvania, and 28,884 got divorced. Many people are hesitant to proceed with a divorce because of how they perceive the attention, expense and stress of the process. If you’re considering a divorce, a consultation with a divorce lawyer will help you understand the alternatives to a costly, time-consuming and public divorce in a courtroom.

Collaborative Divorce

If you and your spouse are on good terms, a collaborative divorce offers an effective way to end the marriage. It’s designed to reduce the cost and stress of the divorce process. Both parties work with their individual divorce lawyers to resolve issues without the court having to decide for them. In some cases, such as child custody, the parties might work with other professionals in order to work through disputes. The final settlement comes from the decisions made by the two parties and their lawyers. A judge then signs and enters the final settlement into the public record.

Mediation With a Third Party

When you want to stay out of court as much as possible but you and your spouse also have a wide range of disagreements, working with a mediator may be your best option. When you choose this process, a neutral party works to resolve disputed issues. Mediation is common for helping couples make agreeable decisions on spousal and child support, child custody, pet custody and the division of assets.

The mediator doesn’t represent either party. They also don’t make any of the decisions. They simply facilitate communication with the goal of reaching a settlement as quickly as possible. If you choose to use a mediator, you and your spouse will each want to have an attorney. Mediation costs less than having attorneys argue for you in court, and it also gives you more control and privacy over the divorce process.

Arbitration

Using arbitration is another effective option when you and your spouse want to keep your business out of the public courtroom. This process features a private trial in which one or more arbitrators function as a judge. The arbitrators typically have several years of legal experience, and they may be attorneys who do this on a full-time or part-time basis. This type of alternative dispute resolution allows you and your attorney to present your case.

The hearing isn’t as formal as what takes place in a courtroom. Less evidence is required than what a judge would mandate in court. After a hearing, the arbitrator decides on the issues. One or more issues may be discussed at each hearing. The decisions made by an arbitrator can be non-binding or binding.

Using an arbitrator costs more than a mediator or the collaborative process, but it’s less time-consuming and expensive than handling these disputes in court. The downside of using an arbitrator is that you and your spouse lose control over the decision-making process.

Choosing an Alternative to Divorce

Many divorcing spouses start with a collaborative process. If you don’t make any progress on resolving your disagreements, you can then move on to another option, such as a mediator. Working with a mediator doesn’t prevent you from moving on to an arbitrator if the mediator can’t resolve the areas of disagreement.

Some divorcing spouses work their way through all of these court alternatives in order to reduce the cost, stress and publicity surrounding a traditional divorce process. No matter which type of divorce alternative you consider, consulting with an attorney helps you know what to expect and ensures that all documents are in order and filed with the court in a timely manner.

When you’re considering a Pennsylvania divorce, you may benefit from an appointment with attorney Joanne Kleiner. Contact our office in Jenkintown at (215) 886-1266, or fill out our contact form, and an associate will contact you with scheduling options.

Jul 24

Helping Your Child Deal With Your Divorce

How to Talk With Your Child About Divorce

If you’re preparing to separate from your spouse, you aren’t alone. According to the American Psychological Association, between 40 and 50 percent of marriages result in divorce, so it’s important that you take the time to talk with your child during this time. They may have many questions about the divorce process, so it’s vital that you communicate openly and effectively.

Remember, your life is changing, but so is your child’s.

Opening Communication

When you and your partner decide to separate, you may be tempted to keep this to yourself and avoid telling your child about the divorce until everything is final. Keep in mind, however, that your child’s life will be drastically impacted by your divorce. Make an effort to establish early on in the process that you and your partner are willing to talk with your child. Whether your child is 5 or 15, they may have questions or concerns about the divorce. Open communication can help remove barriers and minimize your child’s anxiety regarding this process.


Once you and your partner have agreed to separate, sit down with your child. Remember to keep the focus on your child. Your little one doesn’t need to know why you are choosing to end your marriage. They just need to know that although their life will be different, you and your partner will work together to ensure your child feels loved and is taken care of.

Questions Your Child May Have

When you broach the topic of divorce with your child, they may have many questions. Some common questions raised by children include:

  • Do you still love me?
  • Will I get to see Mom/Dad again?
  • Is it my fault?
  • Do I have to move?
  • Will I still see my friends?
  • Will I go to a new school?

If you and your partner are able to make child custody arrangements in an agreeable fashion, you may be able to avoid a custody dispute and keep your child’s lifestyle fairly stable. Unfortunately, sometimes disputes do happen, and it’s not always possible for your child to stay in the same home or even at the same school.

When you’re speaking with your child, avoid placing blame or calling names. Remember to focus on your child and their life. Remind your child that you and your partner are trying to find a way to make things work for all of you, but that yes, there may be some changes. Aim to answer your child’s questions effectively and honestly, but understand that your little one may have a variety of emotions as the result of this conversation. Your child may feel relieved, angry, scared, or sad.

How an Attorney Can Help You

Your divorce attorney wants to help you succeed and get the best possible outcome from your divorce, which is why it’s important to seek assistance from a divorce lawyer as soon as possible. Going through a divorce can be financially, emotionally, and physically exhausting, which is why you need to reach out to a divorce lawyer and get the guidance you need. Your attorney can help you find valuable resources, including family counseling or mediation services, as well as assist you in filing the appropriate paperwork. Should you need to appear in court, your attorney can help you with this portion of the divorce process, as well.

If you’re going through a divorce, it’s time to get the help you need. The right divorce lawyer can make an incredible difference in your life. You do not have to go through divorce alone. More importantly, you shouldn’t. Get the assistance you need as you move on to the next stage of your life by reaching out today. You may reach Joanne Kleiner & Associates in Jenkintown at 215-886-1266. Don’t wait. Call now to schedule your initial consultation.