Super Lawyers
Dallas 500
Best D 2023
Best Law Firms 2021
500 Leading Family Lawyers
Best of the Best Attorneys
Board Certified
International Advisory Experts
Best Lawyers Under 40
Dynamic Women in Dallas
Expertise.com Best Family Lawyers in Dallas 2022
top attorneys Forth Worth Magazine
Leaders in Law
Power Players
NAFLA
National Diversity Council
Adam Mundt Certified Public
Super Lawyers badge
Top 50 Attorneys in Texas
Top 100 Attorneys in Texas
Top 50 Women Attorneys in Texas
Best D 2023 - 20 Years
Top 10 Blog Posts
Women Leaders in Law
Top 10 Dallas
Best of the Best Attorneys
Collaborative Divorce Texas
Certified
Family Law Top 10
Top Rated Women
Best Lawyers 2022

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Divorce Attorneys Assisting Dallas Residents in Mediation or Collaborative Law

Many people rightly worry that their divorce could turn acrimonious. Often, however, acrimony can be cut to a minimum by using lawyers who understand and are willing to engage in alternative dispute resolution. At the McClure Law Group, our Dallas divorce lawyers are open to using all available tools and strategies to pursue a favorable resolution to your family law dispute. We understand that the relationships at stake in these matters are relationships that may carry on through the rest of your life, and we will take care to advise you of areas in which an approach other than litigation may be warranted.

Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

Alternative dispute resolution may include mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law. Each of these approaches has its strengths and weaknesses. However, in most situations, each approach is less expensive and less hostile than litigation.

Mediation allows a couple to go to a constructive forum moderated by a mediator. A mediator is an unbiased individual with experience in family law matters who can help broker an agreement between parties. This approach is meant to defuse tension and may result in a more efficient resolution of disagreements. The parties agree and the law provides that what is discussed is not to be submitted as evidence in court. However, agreements signed in connection with a mediated settlement are enforceable and binding. If the parties are unable to reach a resolution, the matter may then proceed to litigation.

Collaborative divorce is a similarly private and confidential process. Each spouse has a specially trained collaborative divorce attorney, and they sit down together to try to reach agreements that focus on their individual goals with the assistance of a neutral financial professional and a neutral mental health professional if children are involved. If either party decides to opt out of the process for litigation, then this contract provides that each party will have to find new counsel for representation. However, in a collaborative divorce, the parties agree to negotiate and resolve their conflicts without going to court. To that end, the couple signs a written contract in which they promise to settle all of their disagreements outside of court and agree that they will not threaten to go to court.

Often, this process works well for couples who have children together. Animosity and ill will during a divorce may have a detrimental effect on children. When couples decide to use collaborative law, it allows them to move forward in a more positive way and protect their children from the harm done by hostile divorces. Our partners, Kelly McClure, and Francesca Blackard along with the rest of our attorneys recommend collaborative law as an alternative to litigation whenever it is appropriate.

Arbitration is another alternative to traditional litigation. In arbitration, a trained arbitrator acts as a judge. It is usually more cost effective and efficient than litigation. It also allows for more privacy. However, it comes with a potential downside, since decisions reached through arbitration usually cannot be appealed. If you end up with an outcome that you do not like, you unfortunately may be stuck with it without any recourse.

Consult a Resourceful Divorce Lawyer in Dallas or Surrounding Cities

Many couples would prefer to avoid the hostility, loss of privacy, and expenses associated with going to trial during a divorce. If you are considering alternative dispute resolution, the Dallas attorneys at the McClure Law Group can help guide you in the appropriate direction. Call us at 214.692.8200 or contact us via our online form if you need a collaborative law attorney or assistance with another family law matter.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"McClure Law Group was very professional and responsive. They listened to my concerns and desires as it pertains to the service requested and I'm very pleased." Jade Nguyen
★★★★★
"Kelly and her team are always a pleasure to work with, and their work product always exceeds one’s expectations." George Tamke
★★★★★
"When I most needed professional, good quality responses McClure Law Group was there. Thank you for the service that I have received from everyone!" Norma Charles
★★★★★
"McClure Law Group’s team is very responsive! I have very much appreciated their communication. They are always on top of what is happening and return my calls or emails quickly." Brie Cherry
★★★★★
"Kelly McClure has been representing me for the past several years and has been an amazing advocate, confidant and sounding board. She is always available by phone, even when she is on vacation. She has answered my questions on weekends and always given me an honest opinion. I highly recommend this group to anyone." Heather Bell
★★★★★
"The McClure Law Group helped me through a very difficult divorce and they definitely had my back every step of the way. I couldn’t recommend the team enough!" Shell A.
★★★★★
"I could not be happier to have had McClure Law. I truly appreciate their accessibility and patience. I can tell they are very knowledgeable, and I trust their guidance. I am SO thankful I went with great lawyers to handle my family case." Victor Lollar
★★★★★
"Kelly is detailed oriented and she truly cares about her clients. Her knowledge of the laws and her ability to get a case resolved make her stand far above others. I highly recommend McClure for your family law needs!" Peter Morgan