Divorce can be a highly contentious and emotionally charged process. In traditional divorce proceedings, the parties go to court and let a judge divide assets, award alimony, and determine child custody. This is a process that pits the two parties against each other. However, collaborative law provides a method to let parties come to an agreement without the long, drawn out, and expensive process of a contested divorce. Collaborative law–also referred to as collaborative divorce in a divorce setting–allows parties to a divorce to sit down with their lawyers and sometimes other professionals, and work together to create a settlement agreement that meets the specific needs of their family.
Collaborative divorce is different than the more common mediation process. In mediation, a neutral third party helps guide the parties through the settlement process. The parties need not each have their own attorney in mediation. In Collaborative divorce, each party will have his or her own attorney trained in collaborative law. Other professionals may be involved, such as financial advisors, counselors, or child custody specialists.
In collaborative divorce, the parties are working together to find creative and tailored solutions to their particular situation and needs. Collaborative divorce aims to emphasize healthy, respectful communication. The attorneys and other professionals involved are specially trained to assist you and your spouse to work together and pool ideas. Collaborative divorce allows you and your spouse to maintain control over the outcome of your case, as the two of you can act as a team to come to a fair, logical solution with respect to the issues in your case.
In addition to providing you with a way to maintain control, collaborative divorce can also save you money and time. A contested divorce is a long process, and attorney’s fees can mount quickly. By resolving your case through collaboration, you can bring your divorce to a swifter end.
The possibilities for collaborative law is not limited to divorce. Child custody, child support, post-divorce issues, and other family law matters can all be settled using collaborative law. Any time the parties are committed to working together to craft their own outcome, Collaborative Law can assist with that goal.
For more information on Collaborative Divorce, contact us at (253) 272-9459, or email us at info@kleveylaw.com. We can answer your questions about collaborative divorce, and help you understand what the process is and whether it is right for you.
