Articles
1-10 of 31 results
What is the Difference Between Mediation and Litigation?
By Jennifer Piper• December 30, 2024Posted in
When resolving a divorce or legal conflict, it is important to understand how mediation and litigation differ. Each process has its unique approach to handling disputes, and understanding these differences can help you feel more prepared to make the best decision for your situation. Mediation: An Amicable and Private Process Mediation is a private, amicable process guided by a neutral third party called a mediator. The mediator works with both sides to facilitate open discussions and find reasonable solutions. One key benefit of mediation is the cooperative nature of exchanging information. Instead of spending significant time and money hunting down records or documents, both parties typically share what’s needed more freely. The mediator’s role is to assist both parties equally, helping with tasks like gathering…
Cost of Litigation: Can You Afford NOT to Settle Your Divorce Out of Court?
By Jennifer Piper• July 28, 2025Posted in
Court battles are costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining with uncertain outcomes. An amicable divorce, resolved through Mediation or Collaborative Divorce offer more affordable, efficient, and respectful alternatives that help protect your finances, relationships, and well-being. Going to Court may mean that you spend more money and get less in return. The True Cost of a Court Battle When emotions are high, you might feel tempted to “win” your divorce in court. But trials do not come cheap, financially or emotionally. Between attorney fees, expert witnesses, court filings, and time away from work, litigation costs add up quickly. In many cases, what you spend fighting in court could be more than what you might recover. Why Trial Is So Expensive Going to trial is not a…
The Benefits of a Less Adversarial Divorce vs Litigation
By Jennifer Piper• March 25, 2026Posted in
Choosing a less adversarial divorce process like Mediation or a Collaborative Divorce will protect your family, reduce conflict, and help you build a cooperative relationship with your spouse that benefits your children now and in the future. The Problem with Litigation When you choose litigation, you are immediately pitted against your spouse, the very person you will need to co-parent with for the rest of your life. Starting your post-divorce relationship with conflict and attacks in court sets you up for failure. No one truly wins, and your children will often feel the loss the most. Custody disputes, financial battles, and court hearings can create long-lasting stress and resentment, making it difficult to maintain a positive family relationship. How Mediation and Collaborative Divorce Help By…
Why is Collaborative Law a Better Choice for Your Family Going through a Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• September 25, 2020Posted in
When you and your spouse choose the Collaborative law process to resolve your divorce, the focus is on the best interest of your family as a whole. When proceeding with the traditional route of litigation, the focus is on the best interest of the individual. At the end of the litigation process, neither client is completely happy nor satisfied, resulting in a lot of hard feelings. Clients are often angrier at the end of the litigation process than they were at the beginning. Trust that is already broken, is even further destroyed. Through the Collaborative Law process, clients can work to restore broken trust with the Collaborative Law team to assist you. There are both financial and therapeutic trained professionals who will help your family…
7 Things to Know About Divorce in Missouri
By Jennifer Piper• June 9, 2025Posted in
Divorce litigation in Missouri is expensive, stressful, and unpredictable. If you want more control, privacy, and peace of mind, consider an amicable divorce through Mediation or a Collaborative Divorce. Many people start the divorce process hoping the court will sort everything out in a fair way. But once you are in the system, it can feel like you have lost control. Court schedules move slowly, legal fees add up quickly, and you may end up with decisions that do not reflect your families’ values or goals. Before you move forward, it helps to understand a few key things about how divorce works in Missouri. 1. Litigation Does Not Guarantee a Win No matter how strong your case seems, you are probably not going to walk…
How to Choose the Right Attorney
By Jennifer Piper• September 9, 2024Posted in
Choosing the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. When you are dealing with a family law matter, or any other legal issue, finding an attorney who is the right fit for you is key. Here is a guide to walk you through the steps to make an informed decision. 1. Interview Multiple Attorneys The first step in choosing the right attorney is to interview multiple candidates. Don’t feel pressured to hire the first lawyer you meet. Take your time to talk to several attorneys, either in person or through a consultation. By doing so, you’ll be able to compare their approaches, experience, and communication styles. Ask each attorney about their experience with cases similar to yours. How do they handle these…Why I’m Participating in Divorce with Respect Week
By Jennifer Piper• February 20, 2024Posted in
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of a contentious divorce. As a child of parents who engaged in bitter litigation, I experienced the emotional toll it took on our family. The constant conflict, animosity, and tension created a toxic environment that left lasting scars on everyone involved. My own experiences fueled my passion for advocating for a better way to navigate divorce – one that prioritizes respect, empathy, and collaboration. What is Divorce with Respect Week? After over 20 years of practicing law, primarily in litigation-focused cases, I’ve come to realize that there is a better way to handle divorce. Divorce with Respect Week is a national initiative that aims to raise awareness about the Collaborative Divorce process and alternative dispute resolution methods….
How to Solve Problems in Divorce
By Jennifer Piper• February 3, 2026Posted in
Divorce brings many decisions, big and small. How those problems are handled can shape your costs, your stress level, and your family’s future. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce focus on working through issues together, step by step, while litigation centers on positions and court orders. How Problems Are Handled in Litigation In a traditional court case, problem solving revolves around your position on the issues. You state what you want, the other person pushes back, and lawyers file motions. Disputes play out in public courtrooms, and the judge makes decisions for your family. This process feels combative. You may have little control over outcomes, even on issues that affect your daily life. Small disagreements become expensive quickly. Something as basic as verifying income might require subpoenas…
Why the Mediation Process Is a Better Option
By Jennifer Piper• November 24, 2025Posted in
Mediation gives you more control, privacy, and flexibility than going to court. It allows you and your spouse to create solutions that fit your family instead of relying on a judge’s decision. For most families, Mediation saves time, money, and emotional stress while helping preserve respect between both parties. What Makes Mediation Different In Mediation, you and your spouse work together with a neutral mediator to reach agreements on important issues such as custody, support, and property division. Instead of preparing for a public courtroom battle, you can talk through your concerns privately and focus on finding common ground. Court cases often take months or even years to finish, and by the time a judge issues an order, the situation may have already changed. In…
7 Ways that Divorce in Missouri Has Changed
By Jennifer Piper• August 18, 2025Posted in
Getting divorced in Missouri now offers more options than it did years ago. Mediation is often required, Collaborative Divorce is more widely available, and remote meetings are common. These changes make it easier for families to resolve divorce issues more peacefully and with more control over the outcome. Change # 1 – Going to Court is No Longer the Only Option Years ago, most divorces in Missouri were resolved through traditional litigation. That often meant long, expensive court battles. Today, more families are turning to Mediation or Collaborative Divorce to reach agreements. These methods focus on working together instead of fighting it out in court. The result is a better outcome for families and reduces the emotional toll of the divorce process. Change # 2…