Avoiding Litigation

About the Book

Millions of dollars are spent each year by large corporations for unnecessary litigation expenses. These expenses are then passed on to consumers through increased costs of products they regularly purchase.

Individuals who have directly experienced lawsuits such as will contests, contract disputes, or divorce actions can attest to the financial and emotion strain litigation imposes on the parties. Many litigants have asked, "Isn't there a better way to handle my problem?"

Good news. There is a better way. It is no longer necessary to rely on litigation to resolve all legal disputes. Collaborative Law, a new form of dispute resolution, can accomplish fair and equitable results for a fraction of the cost of litigation when it is properly applied to a controversial matter.

In addition to reducing attorneys' fees, the collaborative process can eliminate court appearances and depositions, prevent the destruction of on-going relationships, and allow the parties to maintain control over all decision making directly related to the terms of the settlement agreement. Avoiding Litigation introduces the reader to Civil Collaborative Law through a comprehensive discussion of the collaborative process and several case studies demonstrating interest based negotiation in action. The appendices of the book contain protocols for conducting the process as well as a participation agreement which outlines the steps that should be followed in a collaborative case.

You owe it to yourself to be informed about this innovative paradigm shift to the new world of Civil Collaborative Law.

About the Author

The author has engaged in a number of occupations over the years. She worked at a Dairy Queen, gift wrapped in a department store, trained horses, spliced telephone cable, cashiered at a grocery store, and clerked in a business office. Sherrie taught high school for 7 years, directed dinner theatre, and supervised a performing arts program. Later she sold insurance and trained agents. While working for the insurance company, she decided to go to law school.

After 10 years of litigating divorces, Sherrie "had all of the fun she could stand," and gave up the courthouse to concentrate on real estate transactions, mediation, collaborative family law, and promoting the collaborative process in other areas of civil disputes. Most people do not know that there is an option regarding the way disputes are settled, so Sherrie added "author" and "trainer" to her list of career choices. She chairs a study group for professionals at the Dallas Bar Association and conducts seminars for attorneys, judges, and other professionals who participate in the collaborative process.

Sherrie's passion is her family and friends. She has three children, 17 grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many wonderful friends all over the world. Sherrie loves photography and travel, and has never visited a place she did not enjoy. She has visited seven continents and goes whenever and wherever she finds the opportunity.