Specially trained, collaborative divorce lawyers, provide a structured process to keep spouses out of court and in control of their future.
As you progress through a divorce, collaborative attorneys often serve as the primary sources of legal guidance and perspective; helping you navigate through a reasonable and fair process; without the emotional stress and financial costs of a court trial.
Choosing a lawyer is an important first step in a divorce. Avoiding an aggressive litigation attorney is important as they can quickly run up unnecessary legal fees by escalate any conflict and make your spouse the enemy.
Collaborative divorce utilizes independent professionals who specialize in taking the conflict out of divorce. Even if you have feelings of betrayal, concerns about your financial future, or have disagreements about custody or support; A collaborative divorce lawyer can make your divorce a relatively good experience.
Collaborative divorce attorneys are specially trained lawyers who provide a structured process to keep spouses out of court and in control of their future. No running to the court each time a conflict arises; rather, we focus on empowering clients to explore options and seek solutions that meet both spouses’ needs. Utilizing independent professionals (attorneys, financial analysts, mental health professionals, guardian ad litems, etc.) the collaborative process provides full support to empower couples to have a good divorce process, tailored to each family’s unique values and concerns.
Collaborative Law Attorneys
Each spouse retains a specially trained attorney who will serve as his or her legal adviser and advocate. The attorneys work together to support their clients in reaching agreements that meet both spouses’ needs. This differs from the traditional win/loose litigation based approach, which often ends up in a court battle.
Below are some examples of a Collaborative process:
- Collaborative divorce lawyers will facilitate mediation-style meetings (with both spouses and both lawyers) to identify issues and work towards solutions.
- Prompting the parties to talk through their goals with a focus on the future. Leave past regrets at the door and inform their settlement discussions.
- Encouraging clients to treat each other with dignity despite the reasons for divorce. Be open minded and forgive past issues.
- In order to minimize legal fees and make meetings productive, attorneys can provide questions and outlines for clients to consider and discuss together, when possible.
More information on the collaborative divorce process is available at Washington Collaborative Divorce.
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