Staying Out of Divorce Court

Mark Papazian has been practicing as an attorney for more than 40 years. A partner at Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, PC, Mark Papazian represents clients involved in commercial and family law litigation, including divorce proceedings.

If you want to keep your divorce case out of court, you and your spouse should sit down and settle as many issues as possible. You can do this without a lawyer, but it’s usually best to have an attorney present in order to limit conflicts. Attorneys are also more familiar with local laws and may be able to guide you and your spouse to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of everyone involved. You and your spouse can also have one another’s attorneys meet to discuss matters if you know you won’t be able to agree.

Mediation is another way to keep your divorce out of court. This process involves an attorney for both you and your spouse, along with an impartial mediator. With the help of this mediator, you can settle disputes that may otherwise land you in court. Mediators do not make decisions, but they use input from you and your attorneys to guide the decision-making process.

Finally, there is the option for a collaborative divorce. This involves negotiating an agreement with the assistance of what are known as collaborative lawyers, who will withdraw from representing you in the case that the divorce does go to court. You will meet with your lawyers both separately and in a group to finalize the divorce. Depending on your situation, accountants, child custody specialists, and other individuals may be brought in to help you and your spouse settle on an agreement.

Preparing for a Child Custody Hearing

An award-winning attorney at Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, PC, Mark Papazian possesses more than four decades of experience. Over the course of his career, Mark Papazian has largely focused on family law matters, such as child custody.

Below are three ways to prepare for a child custody hearing:

1. Document activities: Every time you spend time with your child, it should be recorded. This shows that you are involved in your child’s life on a regular basis and are dependable. Further, make an effort to be flexible when your child is sick or needs extra sports practice, and always be on time for visits.

2. Learn courtroom etiquette: Behaving inappropriately in court increases the chances that a parent will lose his or her custody hearing. Before appearing in court, work with your lawyer to ensure your etiquette is correct, and make sure that your dress is appropriate.

3. Improve safety: This applies to your home and how you drive. Be careful not to get a ticket while driving, especially when there are children in the car. At home, keep alcohol, prescription medication, and other hazards locked away and out of kids’ reach.