Blog

  • Message from the SBOT Chair

    BySara Saltmarsh

    Welcome to the Collaborative Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. We are looking forward to an exciting and eventful 2025-26 Bar year! The purpose of this Section is to: (1) promote the study and use of collaborative law, (2) study and report on laws and decisions as they may affect the rights of parties in the collaborative law process, (3) provide a forum for members of the profession interested in collaborative law, and (4) provide resources and continuing education for attorneys representing clients participating in collaborative law in the state of Texas. (from Bylaws of the Collaborative Law Section of the State Bar of Texas) We value your input and invite your participation as we work to spread awareness of the collaborative law…

  • What is the Difference Between Mediated Divorce and Collaborative Divorce?

    BySara Saltmarsh

    This is a question I am frequently asked by clients. Many people have some concept of what Mediation is, but fewer people have heard of Collaborative Divorce. Mediation is a settlement meeting with a trained neutral called a “Mediator.”  Mediators go through training to learn how to help people settle disputes, and the Mediator helps parties resolve disputes by agreement. Mediation usually occurs at the end of a traditional divorce case and is often conducted in “caucus” format, where you do not sit in the same room with your spouse; the Mediator goes back and forth between the two rooms conveying offers and counter-offers. The mediation may take place in person or in teleconference, such as by Zoom. The Mediator cannot give you legal advice….

  • Why I Believe in Collaborative Divorce

    BySara Saltmarsh

    As a family law attorney, I believe that Collaborative Divorce is a great option for couples going through a divorce. Unlike a traditional divorce, where a judge makes all the decisions if a case proceeds to trial, Collaborative Divorce lets you and your spouse make the decisions together. What Is Collaborative Divorce? Collaborative Divorce is an amicable, respectful way to handle a divorce, in which the parties actively participate in the process. This is especially helpful if you have children and need to maintain a good relationship with the other parent in order to co-parent effectively. In this process, you and your spouse work with a team of professionals. This team includes your attorneys and usually includes two neutral professionals: a financial expert and a…

  • Austin Family Law Attorney Sara Saltmarsh Joins Divorce with Respect Week Initiative

    BySara Saltmarsh

    Austin attorney, Sara Saltmarsh will participate in Divorce With Respect Week™ 2024. From March 4 through 8, Saltmarsh will join divorce professionals nationwide in offering free 30-minute virtual divorce consultations for anyone seeking to better understand their options for how they might divorce. “I am pleased to be able to be a part of a national effort to educate couples that there are options to divorce without going to court”, said Sara Saltmarsh. “Going to court should be a last resort for couples going through a divorce. Collaborative Divorce is a way to protect the family during the divorce process.” To book a consultation with Sara Saltmarsh during Divorce With Respect Week go to www.divorcewithrespectweek.com. The website also has additional information available explaining the advantages…