WHY THE CONTAINED DIVORCE?
Divorce Without
Financial Devastation
Traditional litigation is adversarial, costly, and often an inefficient “fight” that can deplete the very marital estate you are trying to divide.
The Contained Divorce offers a sophisticated alternative: an attorney-mediator led confidential process designed to protect your family’s future, and your hard-earned assets.
THE PROCESS
Five measured steps,
no retainers.
A structured legal framework where mediation sessions are spaced by the parties. As you work through the divorce process, necessary information is collected, questions are answered by a network of qualified professionals in a controlled and productive dialogue. A more informed and comprehensive outcome at a controlled pace.
01
The Fit
A brief no-charge call to determine if The Contained Divorce is the right framework for your situation and family.
02
Strategic Intake
Before we meet, you’ll provide comprehensive financial and intake data, so our time together is spent on solutions and planning next steps.
03
Initial Session
A two-hour meeting to set the agenda, establish positions, and identify any specialists needed.
04
Measured Resolution
Sessions are spaced to accommodate the needs and schedules of the parties.
05
The Exit Strategy
A Memorandum of Understanding is reached and reviewed by the parties. Once the terms are agreed to the necessary legal documents are drafted by an attorney and filed with the court – all for a flat fee.
BETTER THAN TEMPLATES
Beyond AI and “DIY” Apps
AI-assisted divorce platforms and form-based services have a place. For a couple with a short marriage, no children, and a checking account, they can be genuinely useful.
They fall short when a business needs to be valued, a partnership agreement needs to be unwound, a child has needs that require a customized custody and parenting plan, or a retirement account spans three decades and may not all be marital. They are also not built to hold the conversation in real time with a plan for information gathering.
What we provide is a pathway for a controlled, informed and productive dialogue. A trained attorney mediator who has worked with hundreds of families that can identify and access the right expertise to develop a smart savvy and unique parenting plan and financially sound property division settlement. A process as unique to your family. A smart financial decision. Divorce done differently.
Precision Matters
You aren’t paying for a “fight”; you are investing in a sustainable dynamic for your post-divorce life.
Bespoke Agreements
We don’t use templates. We architect unique agreements that address sophisticated tax concerns, retirement divisions, and long-term parenting needs.
Why not just hire an attorney?
Litigation is costly and time consuming. Attorneys are ethically bound to advocate aggressively, leading to a flurry of pleadings, discovery, and hearings that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and drive parties further apart. Mediation is required in most instances before court, why not see what can be accomplished by investing in change, not retainers.
THE REALITY
In many instances, families end up with a settlement similar to what they initially desired – but only after months of increasing conflict and massive legal bills. The Contained Divorce skips the “fight” and moves straight to the “solution.” Invest in change and experts, make informed decisions.
What if we can’t agree?
If you reach an impasse on a specific issue, the progress you’ve made isn’t lost. Think of our process as an “inspection before a home sale” – it narrows the issues so if you do need court intervention, it is brief, targeted, and significantly less expensive and you have more insight into the process.
Arbitration is an alternative to litigation and an expedited pathway to a determination where agreement is not reached. Parties can opt for a seasoned family law attorney with training in arbitration who will hear the matter and make a binding decision. Often matters can be finalized within weeks instead of months.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We have answers.
Divorce, handled differently.
Serving all of Utah
This website is for general information and is not legal advice. Reviewing this site, contacting Christina Zavell, or submitting a consultation request does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Mediator is not acting in the capacity of representing either party. Christina Zavell, Esq., is licensed to practice law in the State of Utah.