Conventional Legal Representation

Conventional legal representation is what most people tend to think about when they are in the process of deciding whether or not they need an attorney. In this customary arrangement, clients hire an attorney to handle every aspect of the case that requires legal attention. The indefinite period of time in this sort of relationship usually involves the attorney doing work before, during, and after the case is active in the courts. In this situation, the role of the client is limited to consulting with, and providing information to, his/her attorney.

Mediation

The term "mediation" refers to any process where two or more people meet with an impartial third party who facilitates a settlement of the dispute. This confidential process can take anywhere from one to several meetings with each session lasting approximately two hours. Although there are no requirements for someone to be labeled as a "mediator," there are a wide variety of professional training programs that offer certification in the mediation process. A practicing family law attorney by trade, Mr. Tuzzo has been trained extensively in the practice of mediation. Although sometimes clients can be hesitant, many cases are able to come to a mutually agreeable resolution and, if not, parties generally find that the process has been helpful in moving towards a final result.

Limited Scope Representation

In this process, the attorney and the client can agree that the attorney will provide some, but not all, of the services surrounding a family law case. Since it is not required for clients to have an attorney to proceed with their family law matter, this process allows clients to have more control over their case and minimize the amount of money that they spend on legal fees. The attorney and client contract with each other regarding which portions of the case will be handled by the attorney and which portions will be handled by the client.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law can most aptly be referred to as the "team approach." A client who chooses collaborative law hires their own attorney, but agrees with the other party to work through their case by not going to court to litigate. Attorneys who practice collaborative law are specially trained in the collaborative process and often work together with accountants and/or child psychologists who assist in the resolution of the case. One of the most significant differences between this approach and the others is that clients using collaborative law are required to sign a contract indicating that they are committed to the process and that they must find other attorneys if they decide at a later point to litigate their case.