JULIE V. MERSEREAU, ESQ. focuses her practice on Collaborative Family Law and Divorce Mediation. MEDIATION provides assistance to couples as they negotiate towards the resolution of divorce, separation, reconciliation, parenting and other family issues. Mediation is a cooperative settlement process entered into voluntarily. The mediator acts as a neutral professional who helps the participants make practical, informed decisions to resolve their differences. This process encourages the participants to reach a voluntary agreement that is mutually satisfactory. The goal is to accomplish a “win – win” outcome wherein both parties have their needs and goals addressed and are “okay” with the end agreement. COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW provides a process for resolving family conflict with dignity, respect and mutual concern for both parties and the children involved. Collaborative Law helps people focus on constructive not destructive choices for their future and the future of their family. The parties are guided through a streamlined, respectful divorce process to help them make a smooth transition from being married to being divorced. Collaborative Law involves a commitment to settling matters through interest based negotiation, without resorting to litigation. The lawyers chosen by the parties are retained to help them reach a settlement and to assist them as settlement specialists. The aim is for the clients to keep control of the process with their individual lawyer present as a resource. Lawyers educate their clients on the law and guide them in making choices, but it is the client who makes the decision as to what is best for the family. Ms. Mersereau is committed to providing alternative solutions for resolving conflict that achieve a lasting agreement individualized to meet the needs of the parties involved. Mediation and Collaborative Law are both processes that keep families out of court and in control of the outcome without resorting to litigation.
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