Meredith G Lewis
Divorce, often perceived as a contentious battle, doesn't always have to be so. With the evolving landscape of family law, more couples are turning to alternative dispute resolution methods such as Mediation and Collaborative Divorce to dissolve their marriages in a more amicable and cost-effective manner. Meredith G. Lewis, a renowned attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist based in San Diego, is at the forefront of this shift, helping couples navigate the complexities of divorce while preserving dignity and respect.
The Rise of Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
For many, the word "divorce" conjures images of heated courtroom battles, hefty legal fees, and long-lasting emotional scars. However, as more couples seek to avoid the pitfalls of traditional litigation, Mediation and Collaborative Divorce have emerged as preferred alternatives. These methods focus on cooperation and communication, offering a less adversarial and more personalized approach to ending a marriage.
Meredith G. Lewis, who has been practicing law since 2003, understands the profound impact divorce can have on individuals and families. After years of witnessing the devastation caused by contentious litigation, she pivoted her practice to specialize in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Her personal experience with divorce further solidified her belief that Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are often the best paths forward.
Mediation: A Path to Mutual Understanding
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, the mediator, assists the divorcing couple in negotiating a settlement. This method is particularly beneficial for couples who are committed to resolving their differences without the need for a judge's intervention. Meredith G. Lewis has extensive training in Mediation and uses her expertise to guide clients through this process with empathy and insight.
One of the key advantages of Mediation is that it allows both parties to maintain control over the outcome. Unlike a judge, who might impose a decision that satisfies neither party, a mediator helps the couple reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This process not only saves time and money but also reduces the emotional toll often associated with divorce.
Collaborative Divorce: Working Together Towards a Common Goal
Collaborative Divorce takes the concept of Mediation a step further by involving a team of professionals, including attorneys, financial experts, and mental health professionals, all working together to help the couple reach an agreement. Meredith G. Lewis is a staunch advocate for Collaborative Divorce, believing it to be a holistic approach that addresses not just the legal aspects of divorce but also the emotional and financial complexities.
In a Collaborative Divorce, both parties agree to resolve their issues outside of court. If the process breaks down, the involved professionals must withdraw, and the couple must start over with new representation. This creates a strong incentive for everyone to work collaboratively towards a resolution. Meredith’s deep understanding of family law, combined with her certification as a Divorce Financial Analyst, makes her particularly adept at navigating the intricacies of Collaborative Divorce.
The Emotional and Financial Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Divorce is not just a legal process; it's an emotional journey. The traditional litigation model often exacerbates the emotional strain, leaving both parties feeling drained and disillusioned. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, on the other hand, focus on reducing conflict and promoting understanding, which can significantly ease the emotional burden.
Financially, these methods are also more economical. Traditional litigation can be prohibitively expensive, with legal fees quickly adding up. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce typically cost less and are more predictable in terms of expenses, allowing couples to allocate their resources more effectively.
Why Choose Meredith G. Lewis?
With over two decades of experience, Meredith G. Lewis has established herself as a leader in the field of family law, particularly in the areas of Mediation and Collaborative Divorce. Her clients benefit not only from her legal acumen but also from her compassionate approach. She understands that every family is unique and that a one-size-fits-all solution does not exist in divorce.
Meredith’s dedication to her clients extends beyond the legal realm. She is committed to helping them achieve a resolution that addresses their specific needs and concerns, whether that means preserving a business, securing a fair financial settlement, or ensuring the well-being of children.
Divorce is undoubtedly one of life’s most challenging experiences, but it doesn't have to be a destructive one. Through Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, couples can part ways with dignity and respect, preserving their emotional and financial well-being. With the guidance of an expert like Meredith G. Lewis, those facing divorce can navigate this difficult time with confidence, knowing they have a dedicated advocate by their side.
For those considering divorce, exploring Mediation and Collaborative Divorce with Meredith G. Lewis could be the first step towards a more peaceful and constructive resolution. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to her clients make her an invaluable resource in the journey through divorce.
The Below Information Was Written in 2016
Attorney Meredith Lewis is a Certified Family Law Specialist, as designated by the State Bar of California. She has achieved an "AV" rating by Martindale, the highest rating available to a practicing attorney. Meredith has been licensed to practice before all courts in the State of California, including the Court of Appeal for the Southern District of California, since 2003. She is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Meredith is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, a designation that enables her to assist her clients in understanding the short-term and long-term financial impact of a divorce settlement.
After years as a partner in a larger family law firm, Meredith opened The Law Office of Meredith G. Lewis focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution. After years of litigation, Meredith experienced firsthand the destruction that can result from traditional litigation. The parties were often left feeling emotionally and financially drained, having used valuable resources towards an end result that did not address the family’s unique issues. Having going through a divorce herself, Meredith decided that working with clients to keep their cases out of court was of the upmost importance.
With this shift in her practice, Meredith now specializes in settling cases by way of Mediation, Collaborative Practice or traditional settlement. She has extensive training in Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, and represents or consults with clients utilizing these processes. If a case does unfortunately fall out of Mediation or negotiation, Meredith’s team is there to advocate for a client in court.
Meredith has had the honor of being selected as a "Top Family Law Attorney" in 2013 by the San Diego Daily Transcript, was honored as a Top Lawyer in San Diego by San Diego Magazine in March, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and was nominated for the Women of Influence Awards in 2016. Meredith is a San Diego delegate to Collaborative Practice California, is a Board Member for the San Diego Collaborative Practice Group, is a member of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Panel of the San Diego Superior Court and volunteers her time as a Judge Pro Tem. She is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Practice San Diego Group and the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts.
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