When I went through my own divorce, I was fortunate. My husband and I remained civil for the sake of our then 1-year old son. By remaining civil in my own divorce, it opened my eyes to how destructive litigation is on a family. I’ve litigated enough cases to see how the process tortures you.

In litigation, you and your spouse spend months – often years – dragging each other through the mud. Making the other person seem as unfit a person, parent and spouse as possible. You end up leaving the courtroom hating each other more than when it all started. But it doesn’t end there. Often, litigation doesn’t give people a sense of closure. After fighting in court for years, you end up watching your back. You’re wondering if your ex will pounce again with a sneaky surprise. One you’re not prepared for. You’re constantly waiting for the next round of litigation. Worried, scared, stressed. You end up paying so much court expenses, you hardly have enough left for yourself. That’s no way to live.

I know the law. I spent years fighting in court for women just like you. I also know that sometimes, making the tough decisions has nothing to do with the law. It has to do with knowing the best thing you can do for your family. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. I understand how difficult it is to compromise when you don’t feel like it. I understand because I’ve been there. That’s why I know how to help you work through your emotions during tough meetings. No matter how sensitive the topic, you’ll always make clear-headed decisions.

To me, dissolving your family means changing and rearranging your life with as little destruction as possible. Yes, you’re leaving something you know. You’re leaving something comfortable. But you know you’re leaving something far from perfect. Collaborative divorce lets you move respectfully from your old life into something more positive. Most of the time, my clients end up in a better place after their divorce than before their divorce even started. Even women who thought they wanted to stay realize their life was like a dull ache. It’s heartwarming to see my clients get their life’s sparkle back. They know where they want to go. The key is reframing your feeling of loss. Divorce is taking back control and gaining a new life.

Since law school, I always knew my calling was in family law. I find my work very meaningful – especially when kids are involved.

What you should know about Kristen

Clients benefit from Kristen’s rare ability to speak powerfully in the courtroom…and move a reader as equally in print. In her toughest cases, her analytical writing swayed others to think “outside the box,” helping her win the case.

Kristen never accepts the old ways of thinking. She approaches all her cases with an open mind, flexibility and remains extremely analytical. This combination gives her new perspectives to find better solutions faster.