Every divorce involves both legal and emotional issues. A divorce lawyer 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 lawyers are versatile in their legal knowledge -- and not just in family law. "Domestic cases potentially require practical knowledge in all areas," attorney Jac E. 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."

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 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 jointly hired experts to help resolve issues." The firm's lawyers 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, known as coaches, 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 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.

For more information, or book a free half-hour consultation with these Maryland Collaborative lawyers, call:

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

Jac Knust has written the following faqs:

• What is collaborative law?
• Why should I consider using  the collaborative law process for my divorce?

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