014: Peaceful Divorce Insights and Collaborative Law from Leading Attorney, Mediator and Family Law Icon Terri Harrington

In this episode of Children First Family Law, join Krista in a conversation with Terri Harrington, a pioneering figure in family law renowned for her dedication to fostering peaceful resolutions in divorce proceedings. With more than 40 years experience, Terri shares her journey from a Nebraska farm to becoming a leading family law attorney in Colorado, advocating for a shift from adversarial legal practices to more compassionate, solution-focused methods.

Krista and Terri delve into the evolution of harmonious ways to peacefully end marriages, discussing ways to reduce conflict and promote amicable outcomes for children in particular. They discuss the invaluable role of neutral experts, such as financial advisors and child development specialists, in achieving well-informed and equitable decisions and emphasize the importance of educating future attorneys to prioritize the well-being of families and peacemaking to help children and their parents flourish.

Krista and Terri also explore essential skills for attorneys navigating emotionally charged divorces and share strategies for maintaining strong co-parenting relationships after separation and divorce. They offer personal stories, insights, and a heartfelt perspective on how understanding the emotional dynamics of family law cases can lead to more effective resolutions.

This episode calls on the legal community to embrace empathy and understanding and set a new standard in family law practices.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The needed transition from adversarial to peaceful practices in family law, focusing on problem-solving and non-adversarial solutions
• The role of neutral experts, like financial advisors and child development specialists, in facilitating informed decisions and reducing conflict
• Educating attorneys on peacemaking skills and understanding the emotional impact of parental conflict, referencing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study
• Benefits of mediation preparation and the efficiency of pre-mediation negotiations for successful outcomes
• An emphasis on unified parenting approaches post-divorce to support children's well-being
• The evolving role of best-interest attorneys in supporting family law cases
• Challenges in the legal system, including the lack of family law experience among judges and the need for a dedicated family law court

Resources from this Episode

www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 

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Episode Credits

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