Alternative Divorce Resolution
Alternative Divorce Resolution
Individual Consultation
Consultation is available to any individual -at any stage- who may feel distressed by the direction, trauma, mounting financial and emotional cost, or other aspects of the process.
In addition to individual advice, former Judge Cleaves may invite the other party (and his or her legal counsel) to join in an effort to regain control of the process and reach a resolution of all issues.
Evaluation and Advisory Opinion
Former Judge Cleaves also seeks to reduce divorce conflict by offering services to represented parties as a “private judge.”
By agreement of the parties and their counsul, Judge Cleaves will hear and decide issues of all types presented by the divorce process. Interim decisions will be based upon summary presentations made by attorneys and their clients.
If agreement on final issues cannot be accomplished, Judge Cleaves would accept appointment as a referee under Rule 53 of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure to make ultimate determinations.
Thos alternative to court provides quicker access, more flexibility in the mode of presentation of issues, and the assurance that crucial decisions will be made by a jurist with extensive experience in the adjudication of family law proceedings.
An Alternative To Court
Represented parties who have completed the process of information gathering may retain the services of former Judge Cleaves to assist in achieving a negotiated marital settlement agreement.
Upon summary presentation of the relevant information and/or settlement proposals, the data will be evaluated and an advisory opinion will be expressed based upon Judge Cleaves’ substantial experience in adjudicating such cases.