Bennett & Associates Email Us 125 Strafford Ave Suite 210 Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 Phone: 610-254-9060 Fax: 610-254-8304

Collaborative Family Law™, a new form of dispute resolution, is now available in southeastern Pennsylvania. It is an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach to solving divorce, property division, support and custody problems.

The essence of the process is a contractual commitment of the parties, their lawyers and other professionals not to litigate, and to provide full disclosure of assets and income. If no agreement is reached, and either party institutes litigation both attorneys must resign.

The team of professional experts includes if needed, experienced domestic relations lawyers and coach / therapists for each party, a single mutually selected neutral financial advisor, and a child specialist. All of these professionals are trained in collaborative divorce.

The collaborative family law model differs from mediation and other forms of dispute resolution in the formation of the contractual commitment not to litigate and the availability and support of the cross-disciplinary team.

The process focuses on reducing conflict between the participants enabling them to engage in an open, honest process to end their marriage, resolve their family-related conflicts, and support their children's welfare.

The goals of Collaborative Family Law™, simply stated are:

• Managing a cost-effective alternative to litigation.
• Professionals working together to facilitate the family-based process of divorce.
• Promoting the best interests of the children.
• Implementing fair, practical economic and logistical solutions to family law problems.
• Utilizing a team approach of experienced family law practitioners, mental health professionals, and financial advisors.

If you have questions about Collaborative Family Law™ or if you believe your family can benefit from our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Elizabeth L. Bennett is Chairman of Collaborative Family Law Affiliates. She along with Kathleen Vetrano are responsible for bringing the "Collaborative Divorce" process from California to Southeastern Pennsylvania and training professionals in the field.

Ms. Bennett has presided over Bennett & Associates since 1991. She was formerly an instructor at Surgeant & Associates and was previously associated with Dilworth, Paxon, Kalish & Kauffman as partner and Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young as an associate.

Ms. Bennett is a graduate of Villanova University, JD 1977, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College and San Francisco State College where she was on the Dean's List. She is listed on the Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Women and in Who's Who in America.

Memberships include numerous and longstanding positions with the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association, Delaware County Bar Association and the Forum of Executive Women

Ms. Bennett has been Director for the Penn Council for Relationships and the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. Her professional titles and activities from 1973 to present include positions as member, conference chair, and Advisory Board member and conference organizer in a multitude of legal, civil and professional areas. She has published extensively since 1985, including most recently "Collaborative Divorce Comes to Pennsylvania" in The Philadelphia Lawyer, and has spoken as an expert on many topics of law on television and radio programs, as well as to professional and educational groups, since 1973.

Please email us or visit our website for additional information.