Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law - Separation with Civility 

 

Collaborative Law vs. Traditional Litigation

There Is a Better Way

 

Divorce can be a tumultuous journey filled with fighting, chaos, and uncertainty. Traditional divorce processes, where each spouse hires an attorney and battles it out in court, often only intensify the pain and division.

 

However, Collaborative Law offers a more compassionate alternative for couples looking to end their marriage. In a collaborative divorce, each spouse retains their own attorney, but both parties commit to resolving their issues amicably, without court intervention. This approach fosters respectful and constructive negotiations, allowing couples to navigate their divorce with dignity. Ultimately, it minimizes emotional distress for everyone involved, especially for any children caught in the middle. Choose a path that prioritizes peace and resolution over conflict and bitterness.

 

Why Is Collaborative Divorce Better?

 

Collaborative divorce is a relatively new development in family law. We want to highlight some of the ways in which the collaborative process differs from traditional litigation so you can understand why we believe collaborative law is superior.

 

• Control: Traditional divorce litigation gives a judge the power to decide your future, from child custody to property division to alimony. In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse have control over your own outcome.

• Client focus: Simply put, the collaborative process is about you and your family. The process is tailored to truly helping you and meeting your needs. It is not about a lawyer building a reputation by “winning” a case.

• Communication: One key feature of collaborative law is that it teaches the couple how to communicate effectively and openly in order to resolve issues. This is completely the opposite of most litigation, in which communication is cut off in favor of secrecy, and that leads to more hostility.

• Cooperation: The essence of litigation is an adversarial, confrontational approach. Collaborative law, in contrast, encourages couples to cooperate in a respectful, useful way, preserving their emotional and mental health.

• A team of professionals: In a collaborative case, an entire team is working to help the couple reach a positive outcome. The typical team includes financial experts, mental health professionals and child specialists as necessary. Experts in litigation are hired separately, typically at great cost.

 

These are just a few of the reasons why we are convinced that collaborative divorce is the right choice for the vast majority of couples who are facing the end of their marriage. By confronting negative feelings in a nurturing environment, your divorce does not have to end with ill will and bitterness.

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