Collaborative Law

Collaborative Divorce Lawyers for Women

Benefits of Collaborative Law Divorce

Divorce by collaborative law is decided outside of court. Each spouse is represented by an attorney and settlement discussions take place in an office setting, at times and places convenient to both parties. Spouses agree in writing not to go to court or threaten court during proceedings.

Collaborative Divorce is:

  •   Private and confidential
  •   Settled outside of court
  •   Handled by trained collaborative divorce lawyers
  •   Often more cost-effective than other forms of divorce

WHAT IS A COLLABORATIVE LAW DIVORCE?

A collaborative law divorce is a private and confidential type of divorce that is handled outside of the courtroom. Each party is represented by a trained collaborative lawyer and together all work toward a mutually agreed upon settlement.

IS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE FOR ME?

Collaborative divorce is generally viewed as a more civil and cooperative form of divorce, although that doesn’t mean it’s always pleasant. Because parties have to communicate and agree on issues, it tends to work well in setting up co-parenting relationships. Collaborative divorce is usually more beneficial for spouses who are business partners and want to remain so, as well as couples who want to retain the same social circles and family connections. Spouses sign a collaborative divorce agreement, which includes a promise to settle outside of court, and commit to voluntarily disclosing all relevant financial and other information.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE AND MEDIATION?

Collaborative law is sometimes confused with mediation, as both are decided outside of court. In mediation, a paid mediator presides over divorce settlement negotiations, whereas in a collaborative divorce, trained lawyers assist parties in reaching a settlement. Spouses are not required to be represented by attorneys in mediation, although many do hire a lawyer which makes the mediation process more expensive. The mediator is a neutral third party and is not allowed to offer advice or support one spouse over another in the divorce process.

How Do I Get Started with Collaborative Law Divorce?

The first step in a collaborative divorce is hiring a trained collaborative divorce attorney. The Collaborative Divorce Texas organization provides collaborative divorce training and maintains a list of member attorneys.

Alexandra Geczi is a member of the CDT and a trained collaborative law divorce attorney. If you have questions about the collaborative divorce process or are wondering whether it’s right for you,contact us today or call 214-269-4256 for a free case evaluation.