Meet Kristi Bang-Simon of Kristi Bang-Simon, Attorney at Law

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Bang-Simon.

Hi Kristi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an attorney in Pima County Arizona. I began my career working as a criminal defense lawyer. In 2013, a colleague and frieind of mine was going through a divorce. He asked me to help by meeting with the opposing counsel to see if the case can be amicably settled, as the parties had only been married for three years and had no children in common. To make a long story short, the case lasted for over 4 years – I had never had a family law case before. The case two trials and years of conflict and litigation. After it was resolved, opposing counsel directed me to a small boutique law firm specializing in family law. I worked in high conflict family law for a few years and along the way I learned about the collaborative law process. The process is used to help diffuse the negative feelings involved in many of these cases. The process is codified in AZ by Rule 67.1, Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure. It is an alternative dispute resolution. Maricopa and Pima counties have chapters of collaboratively trained professionals that stem from the global organization called the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. That organization was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize based on its committment to helping people resolve family cases with Team efforts, respect and compassion. I have my own small practice and I enjoy helping families that are dealing with chaos and crisis learn that there is a better way to simply reorganize a family without failed family relationships in the future. Many of my clients have expressed much gratitude for the process and attribute being able to successfully co-parent with an ex-spouse after using the collaborative process to divorce/separate. I went from being extremely uncomfortable in the world of high conflict litigation, to taking pride in refining my skills to help educate families on the financial, emotional and spiritual value of the Collaborative Process. I am convinced it is the best option for uncoupling! kristi

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No. I am still devising strategies to help educate the public about the Collaborative Process. I find that many people have never heard about it. I hope to generate more awareness about the collaborative process. Our group here in Tucson is the Collaborative Law Group of Southern Arizona. There is also a chapter in Maricopa County called the Collaborative Professionals of Phoenix. We are independant practitioners, consisting attorneys, mental health financial professionals as all work together as a Team to help get the parties through the process. I have only had 2 cases over the years that could not be resolved with the Collaborative Process. I attend continuing education in the Phoenix area every year to improve my skills and I have access to a law office in Scottsdale to assist families in that area. I haven’t had cases up that area but hope to. I love helping people recognize that a divorce or separation or custody matter does not have to devastate a family emotionally or financially. There is a need for growth and education.

As you know, we’re big fans of Kristi Bang-Simon, Attorney at Law . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Since I have been trained to practice collaborative law, I am also a member of the Collaborative Law Group of Southern Arizona. This group consists of attorneys, mental health practitioners and financial professionals. We are all trained to dissipate conflict and guide partners in tailoring settlement agreements that collectively benefit the entire family. A more recent trend appears to be rising divorce rates in people over 50. This is called a “gray divorce.” I like comforting these clients and educating them on how to maintain family relationships with their ex-spouse and adult children. The problems they encounter are unique and I find that most couples don’t want to entirely disengage with each other. I enjoy helping them get through the process and remain friends with their ex partners. I also use my own spiritual beliefs to guide me. I believe as humans, we have an innate desire to be happy and avoid conflict. Collaborative professionals are trained to help reduce conflict and focus on common goals. It is very satisfying.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love the book The Code of the Extraordinary Mind. 10 Unconventional Laws to Redefine Your Life and Succeed on Your Own Terms. I also enjoy listening to Mel Robbins podcasts and Abraham Hicks talk about the power of positive energy. These resources all reflect that our attitude determines our future. And that we have more control over our daily mindsets than we recognize. Very powerful information that I use as everyday guidance.

Pricing:

• The pricing depends on the length of the case and the amount of conflict present. People that can find amicable mutual solutions usually end up paying much less than a litigated case.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://divorcewisely.com