(L to R: Thomas A. Burns, Jac E. Knust, Victor D. Berger )

Every divorce involves both legal and emotional issues. A divorce attorney must possess a practical knowledge of family law (including divorce mediation and collaborative law) as well as an ability to work with clients under high stress. Count on the professionals at The Collaborative Law Group (based in Howard County, but serving all of Maryland) to balance your legal and emotional needs — and handle your case with skill and compassion.

A firm that thinks "outside the box"

The firm's attorneys are versatile in their legal knowledge — and not just in family law. “Domestic cases potentially require practical knowledge in all areas," attorney Jac Knust says. “Often criminal cases arise from domestic cases that get out of hand. Trial law is helpful, as are bankruptcy and real-estate law. Knowledge about contracts, business law, and civil law also help in pursuing a good resolution for clients." Associate Thomas A. Burns practices civil, domestic, and elder law, while Victor D. Berger handles criminal, civil, and domestic law.

According to Knust, a family law attorney needs listening skills and empathy, plus thoroughness and a willingness to think outside the box. “It's important to understand the emotional framework you're dealing with so that you can answer legal questions and come up with good questions," he says. Since divorce is emotionally driven, “you must address a client's emotional issues as a part of resolving the legal divorce."

Offering divorce mediation and collaborative law

Knust and his associates are committed to settling disputes out of court, whenever possible, via mediation and collaborative law. Mediation and collaborative law can be a less expensive method of resolving issues. "It creates an atmosphere of cooperation, which is better, especially for a co-parenting relationship. In adversarial settings, you emphasize the differences between the parties, but in mediation, you emphasize similarities."

All three of the firm's lawyers have extensive training in collaborative law. Their approach to divorce varies depending on the divorce itself. "Every case is different," Knust says. "Mediation is often chosen for simpler cases. With complex emotional or legal issues, collaborative law is a better model, using coaches and joint experts to resolve issues." The firm's attorneys also are prepared to litigate if necessary.

A team approach to your divorce

Knust and his associates encourage teamwork in handling divorce. He advises clients "to assemble support from friends, associates, and professionals to help you deal with the emotional challenges, which are exacerbated if children are involved."

In addition, the firm will use financial and therapeutic experts to handle the client's non-legal issues. "Attorneys are good with legal matters, but they generally have no training in emotional or financial issues. In collaborative law, the lawyers and clients jointly choose therapeutic coaches and any other experts needed; it saves expenses."

Amicable resolutions to many divorce cases

With many years of experience, a wide breadth of legal knowledge, a willingness to settle divorce cases amicably, and genuine empathy for your difficult life situation, you can trust The Collaborative Law Group to provide a respectful, cost-effective resolution to your divorce process.

Associates

Jac E. Knust has practiced law for more than twenty-five years. His practice includes a broad range of practice areas, including family law, personal injury, wills, probate and estate planning, business law, and real estate. Knust has presented hundreds of seminars in the area of estate planning, wills, and probate to various retirement groups, employees, and individuals. Knust's practice continues to be varied, and he commits substantial time to attending continuing-education seminars. He has received extensive training as a mediator and commits himself to using mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution.

Thomas A. Burns passed the Maryland Bar in December 1995 and is admitted to practice law in Maryland. He is a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, receiving a Juris Doctor degree in 1995. His practice focuses primarily upon elder law and domestic matters. His previous employment includes work at the Legal Aid Bureau and the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Mr. Burns has been trained in collaborative-law techniques and has extensive experience in civil, domestic, elder, and probate law.

Victor D. Berger has been licensed to practice in Maryland since February 2005; he is also licensed to practice in New York State. He has extensive experience in civil, domestic, and criminal law, gaining those areas. He received a graduate degree in law from the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands in 1989. Victor Berger also attended the School of Law at Syracuse University from 1990 to 1991. Since relocating to Maryland, he has trained in collaborative law and has extensive experience in criminal law, civil law, and domestic matters.

For more information, or to book a free half-hour consultation, please contact:

3440 Ellicott Center Drive, Suite 103
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
Phone: (410) 465-8900
Fax: (443) 638-2486
Website: www.jknust.com
e-mail: jac@jknust.com