The notion that most people want black-robed judges, well-dressed lawyers and fine-paneled courtrooms as the setting to resolve their disputes is not correct. People with problems, like people with pains, want relief, and they want it as quickly and inexpensively as possible
-Warren E. Burger, Former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court

Practicing family law for over 25 years, I came to the conclusion that there must be a better solution than litigation for a family in crisis over the breakup of a marriage. Especially when children are involved, the reduction of hostility and stress between parents is a key objective. Resources which are ultimately consumed by a contentious dissolution proceeding can often be preserved by avoiding litigation and more creative solutions can be found to meet the needs of the entire family. Unfortunately, spouses in the midst of the process often do not come to this realization until it is too late.