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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FAMILY LAW
SPONSORED CONTENT
BENEFITS
of Finding a Divorce
Lawyer Willing to
‘Play Nice’
M
any people believe that they need a “bulldog” attorney who
will get them every penny they deserve and then some.
However, people often quickly realize that the most effective and
least expensive way to handle a divorce is for the parties and their
attorneys to work together to come to a resolution that meets the
needs of the entire family.
What are the benefits of finding a lawyer willing to work with the
“other side”?
1. Money, Money, Money: Why spend your hard‑earned money
paying attorneys to litigate every issue of your divorce? Wouldn’t
Cook & Associates
Experience, Honesty and Results
Divorce | Custody | Support
Alimony | Division of Assets/ Debts
Cook & Associates
106 Arcadia Court
9380 McKnight Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(across McKnight from the Outback)
(412) 366-8980
Amanda C. Cook
www.pittlawyers.com
30 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township
it be better if you could use that money to put a down payment
on your next house or save up for your kids’ education? If you
can work with your spouse and his or her attorney, you can avoid
most of the expenses associated with a divorce. The parties can
exchange documents and information without costly discovery
requests and they can share the costs of such things as experts or
appraisals, if these services are needed. And, instead of expensive
court appearances, the parties can reach an agreement and never
have to step foot in the courtroom.
2. Preserving Some Semblance of a Relationship: A cooperative
ongoing relationship between the parties should be a
consideration in both the parties’ and their attorneys’ minds as
they go through this process, especially when there are children
involved. Imagine trying to co‑parent minor children or to co‑exist
during a birthday party or wedding when you have aired your
dirty laundry in court and accused each other of every terrible
thing. Even for those without children, you will surely have mutual
friends or family members, all of whom would benefit from not
having to pick sides.
3. Time: When parties cooperate, they can come to an agreement
at their own pace. Many former couples are able to work out an
agreement settling all of their outstanding issues in a matter of a
week or two weeks. Then they only need to wait the mandatory
90‑day period to finalize the divorce. On the other hand, if you go
through the court, you will have to wait at least one year from the
time the parties separated before the law will even allow you to
start the divorce process. And, it can sometimes take additional
months or even years to wind your way through the court system.
If you are in the unfortunate position to be facing a divorce and
you would like to avoid the money, time and damage to your family
that a typical divorce process can take, please consider interviewing
attorneys until you meet one committed to a cooperative divorce
process. There are many out there willing to help you.
This Industry Insight was written by attorney Amanda C. Cook. Ms. Cook is a Senior
Associate at Cook & Associates located in McCandless Township. For over a decade, she
has provided her clients with compassionate representation during the often‑difficult
divorce, support and custody processes. Ms. Cook is also a certified mediator. Other
areas of practice for Cook & Associates include estate planning and probate, real estate
law and business law. For a free initial consultation, please call Ms. Cook today at
412.366.8980 or visit the website at www.pittlawyers.com.