Ask most people how a divorce works and they’ll describe a courtroom. Two lawyers, a judge, a lot of waiting around in hallways. That’s one way. It’s just not the only way, and for plenty of families it isn’t the best one either. The practice run by Eric R. Posmantier is set up so people can choose how they separate, instead of ending up in front of a judge by default.
Thirty-Odd Years of Seeing How It Plays Out
Attorney Posmantier has been doing family law for close to three decades. That’s a long time watching how judges actually rule on custody, support and property. It means he can tell clients, fairly plainly, what a court would probably do with their situation. And once you know that, deciding how to get there becomes a lot easier.
Not Just One Road
Mediation is the one people hear about most. You and your spouse sit down with one neutral person and work it out between you, privately.
Collaborative divorce is a bit different. Each of you has your own lawyer, but everybody signs on to keep it out of court. If it falls apart, those lawyers step away, which gives everyone a real reason to make it work.
Then there’s arbitration. Think of it as a private judge you choose yourselves. They hear both sides and make the call on whatever you couldn’t agree on. Usually quicker, and nothing ends up on the public record.
If you’re mediating with someone else, you can still have a lawyer in your corner as review counsel, reading the draft agreement and telling you honestly whether it holds up.
And yes, sometimes court really is the answer. That’s covered too.
The useful part is being able to change direction. Start in mediation, get stuck on one issue, and hand just that piece to an arbitrator. Nobody has to start from scratch.
Life Doesn’t Stop at the Decree
A divorce order can make perfect sense on the day it’s signed and stop making sense three years later. A parent moves for work. A child’s needs change. Someone’s income drops. Orders can be modified when that happens. And when an ex simply stops paying or ignores the parenting schedule, there’s enforcement. Plenty of people don’t realise they can go back for help after the divorce is done.
Why the Choice Matters So Much
Picture two couples with almost identical finances. One spends a year and a small fortune in court. The other settles in four or five mediation sessions. Same assets, same kids, completely different experience.
Sitting down with Eric R. Posmantier early on means talking through those routes before anyone’s dug in. That conversation alone can save a lot of money and heartache.
Keeping Private Things Private
Court files can be read by the public. For a business owner or a family with significant wealth, that’s a real worry. Mediation, collaborative divorce and arbitration all keep the details behind closed doors.
The Kids Are Watching
If you’ve got children, you’ll be dealing with your ex for years. School events, birthdays, graduations. A divorce that turns into all-out war makes all of that harder. Gentler processes won’t fix everything, but they usually leave parents on better speaking terms, and kids notice.
First Step
Usually it’s just a confidential chat. Lay out what’s going on, ask whatever you need to ask, and get a feel for which route might suit you. Nothing’s decided in that first meeting. It’s about seeing your options clearly.