About Us: A Better Way to Resolve Family Matters
Sean R. Whitworth
After years of navigating the complex and often painful world of family-related litigation, I have come to a profound realization: there is a better way to resolve family issues. While some families do face challenges that necessitate intervention from the court, my experience has shown that many enter the litigation process simply because they are unaware of alternative solutions available to them.
Rethinking Divorce and Family Matters
Divorce and family matters are fundamentally civil litigation issues, and Georgia has distinct statutes governing these situations. However, this does not imply that individuals must immediately engage lawyers and approach these matters from a contentious, adversarial standpoint. Emotions run high during domestic disputes; parties often feel frightened, hurt, and overwhelmed. As a result, they may not fully grasp the legal process or understand that courts are not always the right place for the relief they seek.
Unfortunately, expectations often misalign with reality. Clients and their lawyers may not see eye-to-eye, leading to unnecessary escalation—both emotionally and financially—that ultimately harms all family members involved. Many individuals embark on a litigation journey without fully comprehending the time commitment and costs involved. Tragically, during this process, permanent damage can be inflicted on familial relationships and financial stability.
The Impact on Families and Children
The consequences of adversarial legal battles are profound. Families can suffer irreparable harm, and the impact on children can be lasting. I have often questioned why there is not a more effective system in place to address the unique issues inherent in family matters. It makes sense to seek the intervention of courts in cases of contract disputes or negligence; however, it seems counterintuitive to subject your children and joint assets to such a system when a more cooperative approach exists.
Why would you allow strangers to dictate your parenting responsibilities or the division of assets that you and your partner worked hard to accumulate together?
Understanding Georgia's Legal Landscape
Georgia operates as an equity state, which means that the courts aim to ensure a fair outcome—often resulting in a 50/50 division of assets. Many parties have unrealistic expectations of the roles of court and courts never take into account personal emotions or a desire for vindication, which may be expected by parties but it will never be delivered. Individuals often find themselves spending considerable resources and suffering emotional turmoil, ultimately arriving at outcomes most attorneys predict from the outset.
An Alternative Approach to Resolution
The traditional legal system, which is inherently adversarial, tends to prioritize victory over resolution. Unfortunately, in matters of family, there are rarely true victors. My mission is to provide an alternative—a pathway to resolution that prioritizes understanding and cooperation rather than conflict.
By removing the adversarial nature of litigation, we empower parties to engage openly with an impartial third party. This neutral party can facilitate discussions, help clients navigate the legal landscape, and enable informed decision-making. Our goal is to assist families in dissolving their relationships in the most peaceful manner possible, should they choose that path.
Join Us on This Journey
Together, we can redefine how family matters are resolved. We invite you to explore this alternative approach to managing family transitions and discover how we can assist you in achieving a resolution that prioritizes your family’s well-being.
