Abramoff a leader in collaborative family law

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Divorces are difficult enough without spouses battling it out in court. Bonnie Abramoff is dedicated to helping separating couples dissolve their marriages and settle conflicts in a more mutually beneficial way.

Abramoff, a Marquette University Law School graduate and family law attorney for three decades, has become a leader in collaborative family law in Wisconsin. She believes collaborative divorces — a voluntary dispute resolution — are more productive and less destructive for couples as they move to living apart while continuing to raise their children together.

In this type of divorce, lawyers help couples work out the terms of their divorce outside of court. The process uses cooperative, respectful techniques rather than adversarial strategies and litigation. It often involves a “coach” who helps clients sort through emotional issues and also could make use of child specialists and financial experts.

Collaborative divorces empower clients, Abramoff said, “and they’re more likely to be satisfied with the outcome because they’ve had a hand in the resolution.”
Still, couples are rarely pleased with divorces, and Abramoff tells younger lawyers not to get dispirited if clients don’t seem grateful for their service.

“Small achievements mean success for clients in a family case,” she said, adding that in her experience it isn’t until years after a divorce that her clients thank her for being the voice of reason in a stressful situation.

Susan Tyndall, a shareholder at Habush Habush & Rottier, said that Abramoff’s “work in fostering (collaborative) methods alone merits recognition.”

Abramoff’s contributions to the legal profession include serving as president of the Milwaukee-based Society of Family Lawyers, being a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and a Master in the Leander J. Foley Matrimonial American Inns of Court.

Because of the demands of family law, Abramoff advises younger colleagues to know when to turn away cases in order to maintain quality in both their work and lives.