Marital breakdown can be devastating — and grief is a natural part of the healing process. But when it comes to managing the legal side of your divorce, it's important to keep your emotions in check, cautions Anne B. Howard, an experienced California Family Law and Guardianship Attorney with offices in Carlsbad. "Emotions can be costly because they cause conflict," she explains. "It's important to remember that the divorce process is about resolving the business side of marriage and child sharing."

Pragmatic, but passionate about her profession, Anne Howard can help you find the best possible outcome to a difficult situation —divorce.

An honest, caring assessment

Ms. Howard can be an aggressive litigator when necessary, but she also offers alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation, private arbitration, or Collaborative Family Law Practice. During the initial consultation, Ms. Howard listens carefully to her potential clients. She educates her clients about their options, and advises them to be realistic about their resources, so they'll know how to prioritize what matters most. "I present them with a cost-benefit analysis, so they can decide if they need to use the courts, or whether they can use mediation or collaborative law."

A committed advocate

Ms. Howard cares deeply about the welfare of her clients. She is especially committed to protecting and advocating for children's rights and has served as Minor's Counsel in numerous guardianship and family law cases. Ms. Howard is also on the Board of the Juvenile Court Book Club, which brings literature to incarcerated youth to help widen their horizons.

An international perspective

Ms. Howard was raised overseas and brings a global perspective to her work. "I see things differently than other attorneys," she says. "I've lived in other cultures, I work with international clients, and I have a strong grasp of business matters, both internationally, and here in the United States." Her staff is also from culturally diverse backgrounds. "They're very supportive of our clients," she adds.

Creative solutions to your divorce

Alternate dispute resolution gives Ms. Howard the opportunity to be innovative when she is negotiating a settlement. "In family law, we see mainly good people, at the worst time of their lives. We have almost a moral obligation, if we can, not to push the buttons and escalate matters into a huge amount of conflict," she explains. "With mediation or collaborative law, the options are limited only by your imagination."

Whether you choose to litigate, mediate, or settle your divorce through collaborative law, Anne Howard, a Certified Family Law Specialist*, has the experience you need to help you reach a successful resolution.

* Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

For more information, or to book an initial consultation with this California family lawyer, please contact:

The Law Office of Anne B. Howard, APLC
5650 El Camino Real, Suite 225, Carlsbad, California
Tel.: (760) 931-5437
Fax: (760) 476-9257
Email: anne@northcountydivorce.com
Website: www.howardfamilylaw.com

Serving North County and San Diego Courts as well as the Hemet Family Court in Riverside County.

Anne B. Howard has written the following articles:

• Divorce and Litigation: Fighting in court
• Divorce and Mediation: A different approach to divorce
• Why Plan for Divorce?
• Co-parenting: Creating two homes for your children
• Child Sharing: "My child only needs ME."
• Now He/She Wants to Spend Time With Our Children?