A Collaborative Process divorce provides an alternative process to litigation. In a series of meetings, divorcing parties find creative, effective solutions and maintain their privacy and dignity. The process is similar to mediation and the end result is a legally binding divorce finalized with one quick trip to court and the entry of a judgment.
ADVANTAGES OF THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS:
Working with Trained Professionals
- Collaborative Process Attorneys are licensed attorneys and trained mediators. They provide representation specifically designed to help clients identify and reach their settlement goals and objectives in a productive way.
- Collaborative Process cases may involve financial and mental health experts. Financial Neutrals provide valuations and information necessary for the parties to make decisions. Mental Health Professionals can serve as Coaches providing emotional support and guidance or as Child Specialists advising parents.
Maintaining Control and Privacy
- The parties to a Collaborative Process divorce are able to reach their own creative solutions without the risk and fear of an imposed decision by a judge, or a pressured, last minute compromise just to avoid trial.
- The information sharing, communication, and negotiations occur in private meetings. Parties are spared the public humiliation of open court proceedings and publicly filed documents.
Preserving Relationships and Resources
- Individuals in the Collaborative Process retain their dignity. The Collaborative Process helps parents learn to effectively communicate and co-parent after a divorce.
- All of the money spent in the Collaborative Process is transparent. Parties never get surprise bills for the huge costs common in traditional discovery and litigation. Parties in the Collaborative Process can see the progress being made in team meetings.