Navigate the Legal Maze

At Jaskolski & Jaskolski, S.C. in Greenfield, Wisconsin, we strive to keep you abreast of everything during your case. To that end, we present you with explanations of the various conflict resolution methods most often utilized. Look into our family law services to learn about what cases we handle.

Traditional Litigation

During this process, both parties utilize the court system for the county and its required procedures to resolve their dispute. Each attorney acts as an advocate for their client to forward the client's wants, needs, and viewpoints.

The parties negotiate in one of two ways: by communicating directly and working toward a settlement that is amenable for both parties, thus avoiding the time and expense of utilizing the court system to rule on everything, or they can choose to go to trial and leave the decisions up to the assigned judge.

When children are involved and custody is not resolved, additional parties may be required to facilitate resolution. The children require court-appointed representation in the form of a "Guardian ad Litem." This attorney represents the needs and interests of the children and acts as their advocate.

Mediation

In mediation, the parties voluntarily hire a neutral third party to assist them in reaching agreements concerning their divorce. The mediator provides information about the divorce process and guides a discussion to help resolve issues. Mediators help you negotiate a fair settlement. The mediator does not represent either party and provides legal information, they cannot provide legal advice. The advantage of mediation is that it keeps you in control of your own divorce.

If the parties proceed in mediation without attorneys, they are responsible for preparing all the required forms for the court. The parties also appear on record at court for their final hearing to have their agreement approved and the divorce judgment granted.

Collaborative Divorce

This is a process whereby each party hires an attorney and all four work together in a cooperative approach with a mutual goal of reaching a fair settlement. The process attempts to avoid the emotional and financial expense of traditional litigation.

Each party must be willing to compromise and be open to a result completely unanticipated at the beginning of the process, or completely different than what a friend, neighbor, or family member experienced in his or her divorce process.