Peter E. Bort’s practice is grounded in the philosophy that a mindful approach to divorce and family law is a highly effective way for couples and families to reach simple, graceful solutions. Through mediation and collaborative divorce methods, he assists clients with divorce, alimony and support arrangements, child custody, prenuptial agreements, and more.
Peter is recognized in the field as a solution-oriented and level-headed advocate who works to bring out the best in people. To provide clients with the support they need for a successful outcome, he combines respectful representation and extensive legal knowledge with extraordinary personal commitment, dependability, and trustworthiness.
Divorce and other family law matters often present challenging emotional and financial issues. Peter’s deep level of experience and dedication ensure his clients’ goals and needs are met. In contrast to litigation, in which the steps toward resolution are dictated, mediation and collaborative approaches create customized paths to help families transition from working together in one way to working together in another way. When a collaborative process is the answer, Peter is the advocate to help families find a successful solution.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Peter earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1984. He also holds a Spiritual Counseling Certification from the University of Santa Monica.
Having practiced family law for more than 35 years, Peter began shifting his practice toward exclusively collaborative approaches in 2010. He is actively involved the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), a community of legal, mental health and financial professionals working together to create client-centered processes for conflict resolution. For the past thirteen years, Peter has been a member of Collaborative Law Professionals of Southeastern Pennsylvania, a team-based practice group of professionals who share a vision for balanced and lasting solutions for their clients.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Peter has been rated as “Distinguished” by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, an honor based on his professional achievements and high ethical standards. On Avvo, Peter has more than 75 reviews and holds a high rating, and he received the Avvo Client Choice Award. His peers and past clients have great things to say about his character and practice; this outstanding feedback and appreciation continue to drive his firm’s success.
PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY LIFE
Peter has practiced mindful meditation daily for more than three decades. He is happily married and continues to travel the world in his spare time. Since 2013, he has volunteered his time and served on the Board of Trustees for Dunwoody Village, a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community in Newtown Square, a western suburb of Philadelphia.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Mediation Training, Community Dispute Settlement Program, 1994
• Child Custody Mediation Training, 1995 (CDSP 40 hrs.)
• Divorce & Custody Mediation, 1999. (AFM approved 40 hrs.)
PAST AND PRESENT PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS
• Collaborative Law Professionals of Southeastern Pennsylvania
• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• Pennsylvania Council of Mediators
DISPUTE RESOLUTION EXPERIENCE
• Mediator, Court-connected Custody Program, Montgomery County
• Mediator, Center for Resolutions, Media, Pennsylvania
• Mediator, Montgomery County Mediation Center, Norristown, Pennsylvania
• Mediator, Community Dispute Settlement Program, Media, Pennsylvania
• Mediator, Private (1994-Present)
• Arbitrator, United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• Arbitrator, Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
• Arbitrator, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas
PRESENTATIONS
• Pennsylvania Council of Mediators – The Process Towards Reflective Preparation, April 2017
• Montgomery Conflict Mediation Center – Advanced Divorce Mediation, May 2012
• From Issues to Process: The Choices that Lead to Peace – Institute for Individual and World Peace
• Center for Resolutions-Custody Mediation Training, October 2006
• Introduction to Montgomery County Custody Mediation Orientation Program, 2001 – 2011
• People’s Law School, Montgomery County Bar Association, 2003 and 2004
