Practice Areas
METHODS FOR RESOLVING YOUR CASE
At your initial appointment, we will discuss the various options in order to choose the process that works best for you and your family.
MEDIATION
Mediation is a voluntary process where the parties meet with a neutral third party to try to resolve their issues. In mediation, the mediator assists the parties with resolving their own disputes in a way that makes sense for them and their families. Mediation is a confidential process that is often less expensive than going to court. Both Brad Frago and Michelle Lasswell are family law mediators. We also use mediation in helping our clients resolve their cases.
COLLABORATIVE LAW
Collaborative law is designed to minimize conflict during a divorce or custody case. The parties and their attorneys agree to make a good faith attempt to reach a mutually acceptable settlement without going to court. At the beginning of the process husband, wife, and both attorneys sign a Participation Agreement. The agreement requires both parties to:
- exchange complete financial information so that each spouse can make well-informed decisions,
- maintain absolute confidentiality during the process, so that each spouse can feel free to express his or her needs and concerns,
- reach written agreement on all issues and concerns outside of contested court proceedings, and
- authorize the attorneys to use the written agreement to obtain a final court decree.
LITIGATION
While we encourage our clients to resolve their issues without court intervention, sometimes it is necessary for a judge to decide some or all of the issues in a case. Litigation is a formal process that can involve motions, formal discovery including interrogatories and depositions, and ultimately a court trial (without a jury). Throughout the litigation process we will look for opportunities to achieve a better result for you through negotiation.
PRACTICE AREAS
The law firm of Frago & Lasswell P.A. practices exclusively family law, which includes the following areas:
- Dissolution of Marriage
- Post decree issues
- Paternity
- Child Custody
- Parenting Time
- Child Support
- Grandparent Visitation
- Third Party Custody
- Spousal Maintenance
- Property Division
- Order for Protection
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order