If you are going through a divorce, then you may have heard the term “collaborative family law”. This increasingly popular method of dispute resolution is one that encourages a compassionate respect for all participants, and advocates a spirit of forgiveness, responsibility and personal growth. When this technique is employed in a divorce case successfully, it can dramatically improve a family’s quality of life after a divorce. As a Colorado Springs divorce lawyer, I highly recommend collaborative family law to my clients, especially when there are children involved.
How does Collaborative Family Law work?
The process is conducted by attorneys who also serve as “coaches” to their respective clients. Before getting started, a promise is made that neither party will go to court to fight out their issues, but instead they will work together to make decisions about what is best for the whole family. Financial experts and mental health specialists often join the “team”, and experienced attorneys are welcome to contribute their ideas and potential solutions, a Colorado Springs divorce lawyer can help assemble the best team of professionals to assist on an “as needed” basis.
Once all the Collaborative agreements have been reviewed and signed by the parties, the four-way meetings between the parties and their attorneys proceed. During this time, a number of potential solutions and agreements are explored and negotiated. Collaborative team members are available to assist and “coach” the parties as needed, and may include mental health professionals, child psychologists, and financial specialists.
As a dispute resolution method, Collaborative law is often much less expensive than a conventional litigated divorce, primarily because an attorney doesn’t need to prepare for hearings or submit petitions and pleadings on behalf of their client. If you are interested in learning more about Collaborative family law, ask a Colorado Springs divorce lawyer for help.
