A Better Approach to a Difficult Transition

A person walking up some stairs with their shoes on

Despite our best efforts and intentions, life sometimes presents us with difficult and painful circumstances.  The effects of divorce are felt by all members of the family, and in some cases can be financially and emotionally devastating.

In a conventional divorce, parties rely upon the court system and judges to resolve their disputes. Unfortunately, the parties often come to view each other as adversaries, and the divorce may be a battleground. The resulting conflicts take an immense toll on the parties —especially the children.

Collaborative Practice is a new way for you to resolve disputes respectfully  while working with trained professionals who are important to all areas of your life.  The heart of Collaborative Practice is to offer you and your spouse or partner the support, protection, and guidance of your own lawyers – without going to court. Additionally, Collaborative Practice allows you the benefit of child and financial specialists, divorce coaches and other professionals all working together on your team.
In Collaborative Practice, core elements form your contractual commitments, which are to:

  • Negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without having courts decide issues.
  • Maintain open communication and voluntary information sharing.
  • Create shared solutions acknowledging the highest priorities of all.

Collaborative Practice is by definition a non-adversarial approach. Your lawyers pledge in writing not to go to court, to negotiate in good faith, and to work together with you to achieve mutual settlement.  Collaborative Practice eases the emotional strains of a breakup, and protects the well-being of children.

Divorce is both an ending and a beginning. Collaborative Practice helps you anticipate and include your need to move forward, and makes the future of your children a top priority. As a more respectful, dignified process, Collaborative Practice supports your family’s goals for a smoother transition to the next stage of your lives.

If you would like to learn more about Collaborative Practice, please call the Collaborative Law Group or visit our website.

Is Collaborative right for you?

Divorce is a sensitive personal matter. No single approach is right for everyone. Many couples do find Collaborative Practice a welcome alternative to the often destructive, uncomfortable aspects of conventional divorce.
If these values are important to you, Collaborative Practice is likely to be a workable option:

  • I want to maintain the tone of respect, even when we disagree.
  • I want to prioritize the needs of our children.
  • My needs and those of my spouse require equal consideration, and I will listen objectively.
  • I believe that working creatively and cooperatively solves issues.
  • It is important to reach beyond today’s frustration and pain to plan for the future.
  • I can behave ethically toward my spouse.
  • I choose to maintain control of the divorce process with my spouse, and not relegate it to the courts.

Does this path sound and feel comfortable for you? We suggest that you get more information by visiting our website or calling the Collaborative Law Group.  You can then talk to a Collaborative lawyer, divorce coach, child specialist, or financial professional about your situation to help you make the decision.