Collaborative Law empowers you to design your future.
Most people know that no matter where you are in the separation or divorce process, it is not easy to predict your future. Fortunately, there are many options available to help you resolve disputes with your significant other and to plan ahead. The collaborative divorce process is a client-driven process where agreements can be reached that benefit the entire family. The process is structured to identify each party’s goals, and then resolve disagreements using an interest-based, problem solving approach.
What is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative Law requires that each party retain a separate attorney to help them reach a settlement. A team of professionals is then assembled to help the parties understand and resolve their disputes. The team may help address a variety of disputes, including legal and emotional struggles. Thus, mental health counselors, coaches for each party, neutral financial advisers, accountants, parenting specialists, child specialists, vocational experts, and appraisers may be needed. To begin the collaborative process, each party enters into an agreement that encompasses Respect, Transparency, Interest-Based Negotiations, and a Team Approach. By engaging in the collaborative process, you create an environment in which your children can thrive and your unique needs are addressed.
Benefits of Collaborative Law
YOU retain control over the process
YOU lay the groundwork for a better future
YOU gain support
YOU negotiate a better settlement
Respect
Respect
The parties will demonstrate mutual respect for each other, the professionals on the team, and the collaborative process itself.
Transparency
Transparency
The parties commit to transparency, fostering respect and confidence in each other and the team. This requires full and open disclosure by both parties.
Interest-Based Negotiations
Interest-Based Negotiations
The process allows the parties to negotiate and maintain control over their future, without the court or a Judge deciding their fate. The parties are actively involved in shaping their settlement.
Team Approach
Team Approach
Your separation is a complex, multifaceted process. Different skill sets are needed to address topics such as emotional well-being, financial stability and legal expertise. The collaborative process brings a team of highly skilled professionals together to meet your needs. Your interests are our top priority.
How does Collaborative Law Work?
The collaborative process is designed to give you the power to design your future. By engaging in the collaborative law process, a custom team of professionals is able to guide the parties to a long-lasting resolution, rather than a litigated cookie-cutter judgment.
We are here to help you begin the process. Your Family Advocates Law Firm attorney is trained in the collaborative process and can assist in finding the right inter-disciplinary professionals for your collaborative team. Contact us Now.
Prior to beginning the collaborative process, you will review and sign a Collaborative Participation Agreement. The agreement will outline the commitments of the parties for the process, including the key elements set forth above:
- Respect for all parties
- Transparency, including full disclosure of all pertinent facts and information
- The use of allied professionals
- Guidelines if the collaborative process terminates
Your Family Advocates Law Firm attorney and team will work with you to gather and organize the information you will need for the collaborative process. All information will be shared with full transparency.
The cornerstone of the collaborative process is your collaborative team meetings. The meetings will allow the professionals to work together at one table to reach your final agreement.
By the end of the process, you will reach a comprehensive agreement. Once finalized, your agreement will be filed with the court. You will be fully informed of next steps because you actively and creatively created your agreement.
We are here to help you begin the process. Your Family Advocates Law Firm attorney is trained in the collaborative process and can assist in finding the right inter-disciplinary professionals for your collaborative team. Contact us Now.
Prior to beginning the collaborative process, you will review and sign a Collaborative Participation Agreement. The agreement will outline the commitments of the parties for the process, including the key elements set forth above:
- Respect for all parties
- Transparency, including full disclosure of all pertinent facts and information
- The use of allied professionals
- Guidelines if the collaborative process terminates
Your Family Advocates Law Firm attorney and team will work with you to gather and organize the information you will need for the collaborative process. All information will be shared with full transparency.
The cornerstone of the collaborative process is your collaborative team meetings. The meetings will allow the professionals to work together at one table to reach your final agreement.
By the end of the process, you will reach a comprehensive agreement. Once finalized, your agreement will be filed with the court. You will be fully informed of next steps because you actively and creatively created your agreement.
Caveat to the Collaborative Process
An important caveat to the collaborative process is that no one may go to court while engaged in the collaborative process. If that occurs, the collaborative law process terminates and the parties’ attorneys are disqualified from any further representation in the case.