Our Approach
The method should fit the matter.
There is no single correct way to resolve every family law dispute.
Some cases should be negotiated. Some are well suited to a collaborative process. Others require a court to decide issues the parties cannot resolve themselves.
At Probasco Singer Bayne, we do not define effective representation by how much conflict a case creates.
We define it by whether the strategy fits the client, the issues, and what needs to be accomplished.
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Prepared to resolve. Prepared to litigate.
Being prepared to litigate does not mean every disagreement should become a motion.
Being committed to resolution does not mean every compromise is wise.
The strongest position is often the ability to do either.
We prepare our cases so that clients can negotiate from an informed position, evaluate potential resolutions intelligently, and proceed to court when judicial intervention becomes necessary.
Different matters call for different approaches.
Negotiated resolution
Many family law cases are ultimately resolved through agreement.
Negotiation can occur directly between counsel, through mediation, during a settlement conference, or through a combination of those processes.
Effective negotiation requires more than exchanging numbers. The relevant information must be understood. The legal issues must be evaluated. The client must understand the practical consequences of the available choices.
Settlement is most valuable when it is informed.
Collaborative process
Collaborative law provides a different framework. The parties and their collaboratively trained lawyers commit to resolving the matter outside traditional litigation, often with the assistance of neutral professionals appropriate to the issues.
For the right family, that structure can provide greater privacy, control, and flexibility. It can also allow the parties to focus on solutions rather than litigation positions.
Litigation
Some disputes require a judge.
Important financial information may be withheld or disputed. Parenting positions may be irreconcilable. Emergency issues may arise. The parties may simply have fundamentally different views of what the law and evidence require.
When litigation becomes necessary, preparation matters. Discovery, experts, motion practice, evidence, witness preparation, and trial strategy should all serve a defined purpose.
The objective is not to create more litigation.
It is to use litigation effectively.
Strategy can change as the case changes.
A case that begins contentiously may ultimately become capable of resolution. A matter that appears likely to settle may reveal an issue that requires court intervention.
Good strategy is not rigid. We continually evaluate the information, the client's objectives, the other party's position, the cost and risk of the available options, and the opportunities for resolution.
The process can change. The objective remains the same.
The client remains part of the strategy.
Family law decisions are deeply personal. Our role is to advise, prepare, advocate, and provide perspective.
The client ultimately has to live with many of the decisions made during the case. That is why we want clients to understand not only what we recommend, but why.
Start with a conversation.
The first step is understanding the matter. From there, we can begin to determine what approach makes sense.
813-254-37351011 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33607