Don Godwin Dallas Attorney Discusses Divorce and the Impact of Collaborative Law

Dallas, TX, September 08, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Godwin Ronquillo PC, the noted Texas trial and appellate law firm, with offices in Dallas, Houston and Plano, is engaging its attorneys in an ongoing series of internal forums to explore the trends and outcomes of divorce cases that lend themselves to resolution through the use of collaborative law techniques.

Don Godwin, Chairman and CEO of Godwin Ronquillo explains, “The Collaborative Law process in divorce cases consists of lawyers and neutral professionals who have made a commitment to offer individuals an alternative to traditional litigation in an environment based on mutual respect and compromise. At Godwin Ronquillo we honor and recognize the place collaborative law holds in the divorce resolution process.”

Godwin continues, “Oftentimes, but not always, the Collaborative Law process can be less expensive and ultimately the best solution for many people. However, before the attorneys can engage in the collaborative law process, the clients must be willing to take the emotions out of their differences and resolve their property, custody, visitation, and other issues related to the divorce in an agreeable and non-confrontational manner."

Collaborative Law techniques were developed to provide parties with a small group of highly skilled, educated, and collaboratively-trained lawyers and neutral professionals to help families make a more peaceful transition into a new, post-divorce life regardless of the complexity of the case. In the Collaborative Law process both parties have their own individual attorney, who is bound to protect the client's confidentiality and interests, a financial professional and a mental health professional to assist on financial and parenting issues.

Don Godwin adds, “I am convinced that, in the appropriate situation, the Collaborative Law process will save many people from the trying experience of a courtroom battle. I also believe that the collaborative law experience will add further commitment to Godwin Ronquillo as we seek to provide our clients with the best outcome.”

Professionals who are focused on Collaborative Law promise, in writing, to work towards an agreement without going to court. Collaborative law, especially in the family context, provides an option for couples to help protect their finances and children from the personal turmoil that too often results from traditional court battles.

Don Godwin is considered one of the most respected and tenacious trial lawyers in the United States. For nearly 40 years, Don has tried significant jury cases in courts throughout Texas and across the nation. He has the ability to translate complex matters of law and fact into easily understandable language for courts and juries. Don's practice covers a broad range of areas, with an emphasis on complex litigation, including oil and gas, environmental, fiduciary duties, will contests, major family law disputes and business torts. He is the Lead Trial Lawyer for Halliburton in connection with all civil litigation and investigations concerning BP's Macondo well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico.

Additionally, Don was the lead counsel for Halliburton in its landmark asbestos and silica litigation, negotiating the global settlement of Halliburton's approximately 382,000 asbestos claims throughout the United States. In addition to being recognized as a leading trial lawyer in the United States, Don has also earned the reputation among corporate executives, their legal departments, and other highly visible individuals as a master negotiator when risks are substantial and the future and successes of such clients are on the line.

Don is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He received a J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 1973, an M.S. in Accounting from Memphis State University in 1970 and a B.S. from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington in 1969. Reflecting the standard of long-term excellence established in his legal practice, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 and 2013 (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

Founded in 1980, Godwin Ronquillo PC is a mid-sized, Texas-based trial and appellate firmwith a national practice. With offices in Dallas, Houston and Plano, Godwin Ronquillo represents Fortune 500 and middle-market industry leaders in Mission Critical Litigation® throughout the United States. To learn more, visit the Firm’s website at http://www.godwinronquillo.com.