Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

 

What is collaborative law or collaborative practice?
It is a new option for divorcing couples to resolve disputes respecfully and equitably without going to court.

Important goals, especially regarding the children, are respected and focused on throughout the divorce process. The end result is a more targeted, productive and satisfying way to resolve disputes.

It addresses each couple’s unique concerns. Because clients agree not to go to court, the process is a more open and not adversarial. The goal is to enhance communication throughout the process, to lay the foundation for a healthier relationship after the divorce and to meet each party's objectives as best 
as is possible.

What are the biggest differences between collaborative practice and litigation?
Control.
In collaborative divorce, you and your spouse agree not to go to court. This gives you and your spouse control of the process and outcome versus litigation where a judge makes the final decision.

Collaboration.
Instead of the win-lose court setting, the entire collaborative team ensures that both spouses work with each other, not against each other, towards mutually beneficial solutions for critical issues.

Communication.
One barrier in litigation is lack of effective communication between spouses. In the collaborative process, spouses learn a framework for effectively communicating their concerns and goals.

What is the biggest difference between collaborative practice and mediation?
Personalized counsel.
Both you and your spouse are represented by your attorney throughout the entire process.

Team approach.
The entire collaborative law team is there to help facilitate communication between the spouses, working towards the best possible solution for all and making sure all issues are addressed. The team will consist of lawyers for each party, a financial expert, mental health professionals as child specialist 
and/or coaches to the parties.

How does it work?

• Utilizes specialists who leverage their areas of expertise to address children’s needs and the emotional and financial aspects of divorce

• Creates a safe environment for both parties without the threat of court

• Provides a structure for communication that considers each person’s needs

• Shares information that allows good decisions to be made

• Focuses on creative and respectful approach that helps clients reach a mutually agreeable settlement

Who is Collaborative Law or Collaborative Practice for?

• People going through a divorce who want a civilized, respectful resolutions of the issues and are willing to focus on solutions rather than on blame or revenge

• People who want to maintain a productive working relationship with their (ex) spouses

• People who will be co-parenting and want to keep children’s interests at the forefront, i.e. protecting children from the negative impact associated with bitter litigation

• People who want to control decision-making over child-rearing and/or financial arrangements rather that turning it over to a stranger (judge)

• People who place as much or more value on the relationship that will exist in the restructured family as on obtaining maximum resources

• People who value privacy

What are the benefits of Collaborative Proactive?
Better for children.

• Gives children a voice in the process, alleviating the potential of future trauma that sometimes persists for generations

Private.

• Keeps problems and assets private

Less stressful.

• Improves communication between the parties

• Keeps control of process with the spouses

• Promotes respect and healthier long-term communications

Focus on the future.

Saves Time.

• The process is more efficient, productive and targeted because of the unique structure of the collaborative team

Learning Effective Communication Skills.

• Communication skills acquired during collaborative process may have positive applications outside divorce.

We can help you, call us for a consultation at (757) 271-3279 or send us an e-mail.

 

For more information about collaborative divorce, please visit www.collaborativepractice.com