October 31, 2025Author: Steven Goldman
October 31, 2025Author: Steven Goldman
In this episode of Attorneys Dedicated to Family Law, Curran Moher Weis attorney Steven Goldman discusses how families can resolve divorce and custody matters without going to court through mediation and collaborative practice. Drawing on his extensive experience in family law, Steven explains how these alternative approaches prioritize cooperation, reduce conflict, and save families both time and money.
Mediation involves one neutral professional who helps both spouses reach agreements on all divorce-related issues. While the mediator facilitates discussions and outlines legal principles, they cannot provide individual legal advice — which is why many clients also consult their own attorneys to review final agreements.
Collaborative practice, by contrast, takes a team-based approach. Each spouse works with a collaboratively trained attorney, while additional professionals — such as mental health coaches and financial neutrals — help manage emotions, guide parenting discussions, and organize finances. This structure ensures families receive balanced, expert guidance tailored to their needs.
Steven emphasizes that these processes help families:
Maintain control over their own decisions rather than leaving them to a judge.
Save money and time by avoiding drawn-out court battles.
Reduce emotional stress and set the foundation for healthier co-parenting after divorce.
Many assume mediation or collaboration only works for amicable couples. In reality, Steven notes these methods are often most effective in high-conflict divorces, where emotions run high and families need structured support from professionals.
Mediation and collaboration may not work when there’s a clear power imbalance, lack of transparency, or financial dishonesty, since both processes depend on mutual trust and full disclosure.
Steven predicts continued growth in collaborative practice, especially as more families recognize its advantages. With laws like Virginia’s Uniform Collaborative Law Act promoting consistent standards, more clients are discovering they can resolve disputes respectfully — without stepping into a courtroom.
🎧 Attorneys Dedicated to Family Law is a podcast from Curran Moher Weis, offering real-world guidance on family law challenges in Virginia. In this episode, attorney Steven Goldman breaks down the advantages of mediation and collaborative practice, helping families understand how to navigate divorce with less conflict, lower costs, and greater peace of mind.
