Divorce & Family
Doris Tennant is an experienced divorce
attorney and a mediator certified by the Massachusetts Counsel on Family
Mediation. Doris mediates and arbitrates family law matters and business
disputes. She serves as a parenting coordinator in high
conflict cases. She also helps facilitate temporary and permanent
guardianships, represents parties in obtaining prenuptial agreements,
and represents parties who are in mediation. Doris specializes in Collaborative Practice - a
way to divorce that encourages the best in people who are experiencing
one of the worst events in their lives.What is Collaborative Practice?
The parties and attorneys commit to work out an agreement without going to court.The attorneys encourage mutual problem solving.
Experts retained by the parties work for both of them as part of a team with the attorneys.
The process requires the parties to disclose all relevant information.
How does Collaborative Practice Differ From the Adversarial Court Process?
Collaborative Practice eliminates the economic and emotional consequences of protracted litigation.It seeks to preserve long-term interests and important relationships, and protects the dignity and self-esteem of the participants.
Is Collaborative Practice Only for "Easy" Cases?
In Doris' years of Collaborative Practice, she has represented individuals in financially complex cases where emotions are high. Her clients vary from young to elderly, middle class to wealthy, and business owners to salaried employees. They may be same sex or opposite sex partners, gender-conforming or transgender. The range of issues addressed through Collaborative Practice include asset valuation and division, alimony, child support, allocation of college costs, taxes, health and life insurance, parenting plans, business interests, and future modifications.Are Other Professionals Involved in Collaborative Practice?
A neutral communication coach is an integral part of Collaborative Practice. The coach is trained to work with the parties to reduce emotional intensity and misunderstanding. This assures more efficiency in arriving at agreements, and a more peaceful transition to a new life. Other experts may be retained jointly by the parties to assist in matters such as business appraisals and tax considerations.Click here for a list of Collaborative professionals with whom Doris has worked successfully.