Home2023-05-09T19:19:30+00:00

Kimberly Hamilton, Esquire

Collaborative Law and Mediation Attorney in central Pennsylvania

Call me now at (814) 409-9150

Kimberly Hamilton, Esquire

Collaborative Law and Mediation Attorney in central Pennsylvania

Call me now at (814) 409-9150

Serving the Centre region for more than 34 years.

Collaborative Law

In the collaborative divorce process, each spouse is represented by a specially trained attorney to help identify priorities and brain-storm solutions in a non-adversarial setting.

Learn more here.

Mediation

A confidential process in which an impartial third party helps discuss and try to resolve disputes. A typical mediation session in the family law context requires only three people: you, your partner and the mediator.

Learn more here.

Legal Coaching

A relatively new concept in the family law area, legal coaching is a way to assist an individual involved in an alternative dispute resolution process, such as mediation, to develop skills to productively resolve conflict.

Learn more here.

How It Works

The first step is to get in touch!

Call me at (814) 409-9150 or click below to learn more.

One of the Best!! Kim Hamilton is an active listener with a clear understanding of the law. Her advice, knowledge of PA law and the court system really aided in providing a full range of options for our family. I highly recommend her!!

– Andrea W.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether in the beginning stages of a divorce proceeding or working through a child custody situation, you’re bound to have some questions. We’ve outlined some of the most predominant below, but feel free to call us anytime at (814) 409-9150.

What if I don’t get along with my spouse?2021-06-10T17:15:46+00:00

It’s not unusual for divorcing couples to have difficulty communicating. It’s also not unusual to have strong feelings about the end of your relationship. However, even if your communication hasn’t been positive lately, that doesn’t mean that you and your spouse/co-parent are not good candidates for collaborative divorce or mediation.  As long as you both share the goal of wanting to resolve the issues in a respectful way without a potentially destructive court battle, you can still work successfully with your partner to resolve your outstanding issues.  Mediators and collaborative professionals are trained to help the two of you build on areas of agreement in a non-combative atmosphere.  Of course, both collaborative divorce and mediation are voluntary processes, so if your partner refuses to participate, a court-based resolution may be your only option.

Why do I need a consultation?2021-06-10T17:17:49+00:00

I begin the process by scheduling a one hour consultation with you so that I can better understand your particular circumstances.  I can also answer your questions in depth so that you can make an informed decision about your possible options.  If you are looking to have me as your mediator, I won’t discuss your individual situation so as not to compromise my neutrality, but I am happy to answer your process questions and I can also set up a consultation with both you and your spouse to explain the procedure and make sure you are both comfortable in moving forward with me as your mediator.  The dissolution of your marriage and the well-being of your children are very personal matters, so when you hire an attorney or select a mediator, it is important to have a good fit. The first consultation is a good way to establish whether I’m right for you.

Do I need legal coaching?2021-06-10T17:17:43+00:00

When you are representing yourself, the true benefit of legal coaching is that it reduces the stress that often accompanies the unknown so that you can move forward to accomplish your  goals. A legal coach can help you objectively assess your situation and understand possible outcomes. Legal coaching can prepare you for mediation by providing you with communication tools to help you better navigate the process. Since a mediator cannot give you legal advice, an experienced coach can help you understand the law and how it applies to the facts of your case. A legal coach can also support you by offering practical tips for making the process easier to get through. Additionally, if you and your partner reach an agreement on your own or in mediation, a limited scope consultation can help you evaluate a proposed settlement and advise you whether you should accept, decline, or revise it.

How much does a divorce cost?2021-06-10T17:17:37+00:00

As with length of time to get a divorce, the cost to obtain a divorce depends on the process chosen to resolve the issues.  While litigation is the slowest way to obtain a divorce and property settlement, it is also the most costly. Motions court, trials, and competing experts require a great deal of attorney preparation, which will consequently drive up your cost. You still have attorney fees with a collaborative divorce, but because you and your spouse share the goal of reaching a resolution, you voluntarily share documents instead of paying your attorney to compel the other side to provide information. Instead of each of you paying for an expert such as a real estate appraiser, you agree on an expert and share the fee. Mediation will likely be less costly than either litigation or collaborative divorce since you split the cost of the mediator’s fees, and even if you consult separately with an attorney, the attorney’s involvement is typically limited. Of course, please keep in mind that you should not choose your process based on the cost. It’s important to pick an option that is right for you and your particular situation.

How long does it take to get a divorce?2021-06-10T17:17:30+00:00

The length of time it takes to get a divorce depends on the process you choose, the willingness of the other party to cooperate and disclose information, and the complexity of your finances. At minimum, even if both parties agree to divorce, it cannot happen in less than 90 days, as measured from the date that the non-initiating spouse receives the divorce complaint.  Litigation is by far the process that takes the longest to complete. In litigation, all disagreements must ultimately be resolved in court and it takes time to get scheduled and to get a decision from a judge. Mediation and collaborative divorces typically take less time because you and your spouse control the process from the first meeting through negotiating resolutions and finalizing the agreement.

My Blog

Below are some recent articles that I’ve written that you may find helpful if you are considering a change in your family arrangement. View more blog posts HERE.

Adult Children of Divorce

When parents divorce, even adult children with families of their own can experience a loss of identity, wondering whether their childhood and adolescence were based on a foundation of lies.

Co-Parenting and a Parenting Plan

The end of a marriage is hard on children, no matter what their ages. Their ability to process what is happening and why may vary with the circumstances and each child’s age, but even small children instinctively understand that their family will never be quite the same.

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