Offering Collaborative Divorce
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COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE?
Each spouse is represented by a Registered Collaborative Family Law lawyer. The foundation of the Collaborative Process is a signed agreement not to go to Court. This creates a safe environment for spouses to negotiate without fear. All relevant financial information is brought to the meetings, creating an open and transparent process.
What to Expect from Collaborative Divorce:
You and your spouse are represented by your own collaborative family lawyers during collaborative team meetings
Participate in creating your own settlement versus having one imposed by the court
Confidence of being represented by a lawyer rather than negotiating for yourself
The option to have the support of a team which may include a Family Specialist and/or a Financial Expert
More control than the traditional adversarial process
Usually less costly and time consuming than the traditional adversarial divorce
THE COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE PROCESS
1. Initial Meeting:
In our first meeting, I provide legal information about the divorce process and inform you of your options. We discuss your goals and concerns. I also answer questions to help you decide if collaborative divorce is the best path for you. We will discuss what other professionals may be required to assist you and your family such as the financial neutral, the divorce coach and the family specialist.
2. Collaborative Team Meetings:
We start by scheduling a series of team meetings (both spouses and lawyers). At the first meeting we review and sign the Participation Agreement, which states our shared intention to negotiate the terms of your divorce in a collaborative fashion outside of court. In subsequent meetings, we negotiate an agreement that best meets the needs of your family. The number of meetings varies depending on the family and the complexity of issues to be resolved.
3. Meetings with other Collaborative Professionals:
Meetings with the financial neutrals and/or family specialist may occur at any time during the process
4. Finalize the Divorce:
When you have reached resolution on all issues, the lawyers prepare a formal divorce agreement and the court documents. Once the agreement is signed by all parties, the lawyers file the documents with the Court.
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MY ROLE AS A COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAWYER
As a collaborative family lawyer, I represent only one spouse in the divorce negotiation process. With a clear understanding of your goals and concerns, I negotiate on your behalf during informal collaborative team meetings with your spouse and her/his lawyer. Throughout the process, I will advise you of the law and potential outcomes if you were to resolve your divorce in court. Other professionals, such as divorce coaches, child experts, or financial specialists, may be brought into the process as needed and as agreed upon by both spouses.