AREAS OF PRACTICE

Someone wanting to get their issue resolved wants to know: how? How do I get a divorce? How do I get more time with my children? How do I get the house? How can I pay less in support? How do I work with this person that is being completely unreasonable? The questions can be endless and can feel like a huge weight. Fortunately we can help in a multitude of ways.

Litigation: Litigation is when parties go to Court to have their issues resolved by a Judge. It is necessary when parties are unable to resolve their issues. Litigation is simply unavoidable at certain times and is the state’s system in place to give parties resolution if they cannot do so themselves. It is a last resort, as it is time consuming, costly, and has lasting emotional effects on the parties and the children involved. While diligent preparation is always key to Court appearances, it is a fact that no one can predict what can happen at Court once you are there. Do note that while in litigation, the Courts press settlement throughout the process. With that said, experience matters, and we have experience in the Courthouse, armed with ease and flexibility once there to manage situations presented.

Mediation: Mediation is best when possible. Under most circumstances, there is no issue that cannot be resolved in mediation. Domestic violence, or interpersonal violence however can be a reason that prevents parties from reasonably mediating their dispute. That issue aside, this method to resolve a dispute works when both parties are willing to bend and compromise. Sometimes one meeting is worth doing if one side is unsure the process can work for them. A skilled and saavy mediator is key too, and Ms. Ledgerwood has that particular understanding necessary to assist parties in this process.

Consulting, strategy, and conflict management: Clients come to Ms. Ledgerwood to learn more about how the laws relate to their circumstances. She assists each individual how to better improve their circumstances or educate on the realities presented. Money matters, and learning how to keep it, save it, or distribute it equitably is important. Learning to manage conflict is dynamic and sometimes very difficult to do. Confrontation too can be extremely difficult. Ms. Ledgerwood works closely with clients to help them navigate their circumstances with the hope of creating ease for the client and their families.

Child Representation: Ms. Ledgerwood represents children caught in the middle of their parents’ dispute. This role provides Ms. Ledgerwood insight into the family dynamic through the child’s eye, brain, and heart. Representing children teaches that parents can add to their child’s current and future success simply by minimizing conflict. Unfortunately parents sometimes cannot get out of the conflict and thus Ms. Ledgerwood helps parents through this role by also assisting parents to argue less while also focusing on the child and the beauty they provide to this world.

Other options: An individual can file for divorce on their own without a lawyer. They can use an online service, go to the courthouse, use a paralegal, or try other tools to finalize their divorce.

The Family Law Practice of Ledgerwood Law represents clients in all aspects of family law, including litigation of complex marital dissolution actions, high conflict child custody disputes, consulting for clients, and conducting mediations. Whether the matter is resolved by settlement or trial, our success derives from diligent preparation.