My Practice Philosophy

While there is rarely an easy divorce, some approaches to working through the divorce process can be easier on couples than others. Divorce wars with a focus on win/lose outcomes are sometimes necessary but can have a devastating toll on the individuals, their children, family and friends, and ultimately society as a whole. 

Collaborative law and mediation are appropriate for couples who want to divorce without destroying relationships, who want to optimize their ability to co-parent going forward, who want to be the final decision makers, and who want to approach an often difficult and painful situation with integrity. I also work with couples who have been able to reach agreements over the kitchen table and are looking for consultation or help preparing documents.

For couples seeking to end a marriage or committed (meretricious) relationship in Washington State, the legal process is proscribed by state law. If you are interested in seeing the mandatory legal forms, go to http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/.  

Approaches to Dispute Resolution

Kitchen Table Negotiation

Kitchen table negotiation works well when couples are largely in accord. This would fall into the category of an uncontested divorce. Even in an uncontested divorce you will want to make educated decisions. It is ideal if both parties consult with an attorney before making any final decisions. Aside from educating a client, attorneys can review documents prepared by the parties or draft the necessary documents. Sometimes the idea of going alone to see the judge for entry of the final documents creates anxiety and having an attorney accompany you makes the process straight forward and a less scary.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative divorce is a process that works when the husband and wife are both willing and able to work together to un-couple their marital relationship while preserving the sense of family for their children.   It is a multi-pronged approach, through which couples work through the legal, financial, and emotional elements that present themselves throughout the divorce process. 

The legal and financial elements are most often addressed in 4-way and 5-way meetings. The emotional elements, which often create barriers to financial and legal decision-making, are best addressed by working with a coach (typically licensed counselor).

If you would like more information about collaborative law you can give me a call at (206) 227-2545 or email me at bartolaw@comcast.net. The following websites are also excellent collaborative law resources: www.collaborativepractice.com; http://www.kingcountycollab.org.

Mediation

A mediator is a process manager. The mediator acts as a neutral and under the state’s Uniform Mediation Act, may not give legal advice.  The mediator does help identify important issues, assists parties to brainstorm various ways to resolve issues, and encourages a focus on win/win outcomes.  The beauty of mediation is it allows couples to address, in a safe environment, all the issues that are important to them rather than limiting the scope of the discussion to only what is legally relevant. Because of this the agreements reached are more likely to last going forward and can minimize the likelihood of the need for future court intervention.

Since 1999, I have been an active member of the mediation community. I am certified as a mediator through the Dispute Resolution Center of King County.  In addition I have facilitated high conflict group mediations to help address workplace issues, neighborhood disputes, civil disputes, and disputes between governmental and non-governmental agencies working on common projects. As a trainer, I enjoy teaching basic mediation and conflict resolution skills. I also functions as a mentor mediator for students enrolled in the mediation practicum through the Dispute Resolution Center of King County.  

Education & Professional Affiliations

I have three degrees from Seattle University: a BA in Community Services; a M.A. Ed. in Counseling; and a J.D.  I am licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and am an active member of the Washington State Bar Association, and the King County Bar Association. I chair the King County Collaborative Law mentoring committee and serve as co-vice chair of the King County Bar Association’s Collaborative Law Section. I enjoy serving as a judge for Alternative Dispute Resolution competitions sponsored by Seattle University School of Law.  

A Little More About Me

Now that my children have flown the coop, I spend my free time gardening, kayaking, and spending quality time with my husband, my amazing 95 year old mother, and the newest family member Oliver, who was adopted with the help of English Springer Rescue America.