Brian and Chellie understand that their clients are seeking solutions to what may be their most challenging and overwhelming personal problems, and they are dedicated to finding both the best possible solutions to those problems and the best means of achieving those solutions. In general, there are two distinctly different paths that may be pursued for the resolution of any legal conflict, be it a family law matter or any other type of dispute: negotiation and litigation.
Through negotiation, the parties to a dispute are directly involved with reaching a resolution, although almost invariably they will be required to make compromises in order to reach a resolution. Through litigation, the parties to a dispute relinquish their direct involvement in reaching a resolution and, instead, vest sole decision-making authority in a judge. Although litigation does not require parties to compromise in the same way as negotiation, the parties no longer have any direct say in how the dispute is resolved. Instead, each party presents his or her best case to the judge and hopes that the judge reaches the desired resolution.
Brian and Chellie believe that negotiation and settlement affords many of their clients the best means of resolving their disputes, primarily because negotiation and settlement often yield a resolution in a shorter amount of time and for less cost than litigation and because, as noted above, the client retains direct involvement with shaping the resolution. Brian and Chellie apply their experience, their in-depth knowledge of the law, and their strong advocacy skills to negotiate the best possible outcomes for their clients. There are, however, circumstances in which settlement is not a viable option for resolving a dispute. In these circumstances, Brian and Chellie, together with their clients, make the calculated decision that litigation is the best available path to resolution and provide their clients with unwavering trial advocacy. Notably, cases that proceed to litigation are often ultimately resolved through negotiation and settlement before the case is brought to a judge for decision.
To learn more about conflict resolution in family law matters, contact Chapel Hill Family Law by phone at (919) 419-1244 or by e-mail at info@chapelhillfamilylaw.com.