Once you’ve decided on divorce, the next step is to determine how you and your former partner will come to a resolution. Given that 97% of divorces in New York settle before a judge gets involved, it is in your best interests to explore the full spectrum of options and make an informed decision based on your particular circumstances. This is called process choice.Sarah Hechtman is a trained collaborative lawyer and family mediator. Before practicing family law, Sarah worked as a civil rights lawyer, prosecuting class action cases on behalf of children through Children’s Rights and Advocates for Children of New York. She also served as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County DA’s Office where she was a member of the Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Unit. Sarah made the transition to family law in 2006, and since then she has handled complex divorce cases involving substantial financial assets as well as highly contested child custody cases. Sarah’s interest in the welfare of children coupled with her experience as a litigator led her to a commitment in helping clients resolve their family disputes outside the court system.Today, Sarah joins Katherine to share the definition of process choice, discussing the full spectrum of options divorcing couples have regarding how they will settle. She explains the mediation model, walking us through the value a mediator adds as a neutral third-party. Sarah also speaks to collaborative law, describing the professionals who may be included in the process. Listen in for Sarah’s insight around the myth of ‘having your day in court’ and how collaborative law enables the parties involved to craft their own resolution.Topics CoveredThe definition of process choiceThe full spectrum of paths to settlementHow the ‘kitchen table’ template works without representationThe value a mediator adds to the settlement processBig picture viewCreative solutionsNeutral third-partyWho is involved in three-way and five-way mediation meetingsThe collaborative law modelThe role of a divorce coachThe myth around having your ‘day in court’The concept of attribution errorHow collaborative law enables the parties involved to craft their own solutionThe circumstances under which litigation may be appropriateDomestic violenceSafety of child at riskNeed discipline of courtWhy the most highly contested cases involve mental illnessHow the court system is designed to address the worst possible circumstancesWasteful dissipation of assets exemplarConnect with Sarah HechtmanSarah at Miller Law Group: https://westchesterfamilylaw.com/our-attorneys/sarah-b-hechtmanSarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hechtman-10083418/Connect with Katherine MillerThe Center for Understanding Conflict: http://understandinginconflict.org/Miller Law Group: https://westchesterfamilylaw.com/Katherine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kemiller1