Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Arbitration is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution in which the parties hire a neutral arbitrator (often a seasoned family law attorney) to hear their case and make a decision outside of court. This practice can be used when specific issues prevent an amicable settlement or when parties need a private, efficient way to resolve disputes.

In family law arbitration:

• The process is private and confidential, unlike most court proceedings.
• The parties and counsel present evidence and arguments to the arbitrator, who issues a binding decision (similar to a judge’s ruling) under Pennsylvania law.
• Arbitration can often be scheduled more quickly and tailored to the complexity of the case, which is especially useful in higher-asset or more technical divorces.

Our attorneys advise clients on whether divorce arbitration may be best for their family and will represent clients effectively throughout the arbitration process or in court if necessary.

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps spouses or co-parents communicate, identify issues, and work toward a mutually acceptable agreement. The firm regularly uses mediation and four-way meetings to help clients reach resolution on custody and visitation arrangements and other family law issues outside of court.

Key features of mediation include:

• The mediator is neutral and does not represent either party.
• The focus is on problem-solving and settlement, not “winning” or “losing.”
• The firm recommends that each spouse maintain their own consulting attorney during mediation to explain rights and review any proposed agreement.

As mentioned, Lindsay H. Childs is a certified mediator, and is experienced in serving as a neutral in family law disputes. She may be retained solely as a mediator in appropriate divorce or custody matters, or she can represent a party whose case proceeds through mediation conducted by another neutral.

Parenting coordination is a specialized form of Alternative Dispute Resolution used in high-conflict custody situations after a final custody order has been entered. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court re-authorized parenting coordination programs in 2019, and our firm has actively educated the public about how those programs work in our state.

A parenting coordinator:

• Is appointed by the court after a final custody order exists
• Is used when repeated or “obdurate” conflict between the parents interferes with carrying out the custody order
• Helps implement the existing order by resolving day-to-day disputes (for example, about exchanges, holiday time, or extracurricular activities) within defined limits set by the court

Family law attorney Lindsay H. Childs completed the required training in 2019 to serve as a parenting coordinator in Pennsylvania and can be appointed by the court to assist parents who continue to struggle with conflict around implementing their custody arrangements.

Parenting coordination is particularly valuable when parents want to avoid repeated court appearances but still need structured help managing ongoing conflict in the best interests of their children.

Collaborative divorce is a structured no-court divorce process in which both spouses and their collaboratively trained attorneys commit to resolving all issues, such as property division, support, and custody, without litigation. Collaborative divorce helps ensure:

• You understand your rights and obligations
• Your interests are protected
• All marital assets and property are fully disclosed and properly valued
• All important issues for your family are addressed in a comprehensive, durable agreement

In the collaborative process:

• The parties and attorneys work through a series of joint meetings instead of court hearings.
• The team may include neutral professionals, such as financial or mental-health specialists, to help address complex financial questions or co-parenting issues.
• If the collaborative process breaks down and litigation becomes necessary, the collaborative attorneys must withdraw, which helps keep everyone focused on settlement, when possible.

Our firm has been an advocate for collaborative divorce as a way to resolve family law matters in a manner that respects ongoing relationships, especially where children are involved, and reduces the emotional and financial toll of traditional litigation.