Dr. Gail Petrich is a divorce attorney and psychologist. She works very hard to keep her clients out of court whenever she can.
She practices mediation, collaborative divorce, parenting coordination and Dry Run Divorce, and is currently offering Virtual Groups.
As a lawyer and psychologist, Dr. Petrich operates on one principle: There is a better way to end a marriage and to co-parent after divorce. In mediation, collaborative divorce, and Parenting Coordination, both spouses review their goals and interests, then work to create options for resolution of all child and financial issues, and put those agreements in writing. Since the parents take an active role in shaping their future lives and their children’s lives, there are no surprises and no questions left unanswered. Dr. Petrich offers a free 15-minute consultation to discuss which process suits your divorce and co-parenting needs.
Collaborative Practice
Divorce will always be with us. Families, however, are choosing a new way of doing divorce that is more constructive, less contentious, more private, more empowering, and less adversarial. In Collaborative Divorce and usually with the help of a team of professionals, the clients are more in control of the process and make their own decisions for their family’s future lives.
Collaborative Practice is based on the following three principles:
An agreement not to go to court
A transparent exchange of information between both spouses
A solution based on the individual priorities of the entire family.
The hallmark of the collaborative divorce is that the two attorneys agree to resign if the couple decides to proceed in court. From the beginning, the couple and attorneys are committed to settling the case, and all four have a financial incentive to do so. Often more cost-effective than litigation, the collaborative process is structured according to the emotional needs of the family, rather than the time constraints and sometimes overwhelming procedures and paperwork of the legal process. While the attorneys inform the divorcing couple about what might happen in court, the court is not making decisions for the family. The only court appearance is at the end of the process when the judge approves the agreements, and they are entered. The entire process feels safer to clients who are able to be open and honest and want to treat each other with dignity and respect. It is important to remember also that none of the information used to reach a settlement can be used later in court, except by the agreement of the parties.
When a couple enters into the collaborative agreement, they usually also choose an expanded team. Divorce coaches, child specialists and financial consultants can all support the couple and assist them in determining what is most important for their future.
