IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO DIVORCE AS USUAL, YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

ciacp_childrenThe end of a marriage or relationship can be tragic enough. Often, the process of divorcing only adds to the pain. You and your spouse may come to see each other as adversaries and the divorce as a battleground. You may experience feelings of confusion, anger, loss and conflict. Under such circumstances, you might find it difficult to see an end to divorce, much less imagine a hopeful future.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. A growing number of parting couples, along with other professionals such as lawyers, mental health professionals and financial consultants, have been seeking a more constructive alternative. These professionals have developed the Collaborative Law Practice model.

Collaborative Law Practice is a reasonable approach to divorce based on three principles:

  • A pledge not to go to court
  • An honest exchange of information by both spouses
  • A solution that takes into account the highest priorities of both spouses and their children

Mutual respect is fundamental to the collaborative way. You may cease being spouses, but you don’t cease being worthy human beings. When respect is given and received, discussions are likely to be more productive and an agreement reached more easily.

A PLEDGE TO COLLABORATE

The key difference between Collaborative Law Practice and conventional divorce is the pledge to reach an agreement without going to court. You and your spouse keep control of the decisions yourselves, rather than giving them up to a judge. All of the parties consent in writing to be part of a respectful process that leads to an out-of-court resolution. With Collaborative Law Practice, the goal is to develop effective relationships, solve problems jointly, and prevent a court battle.

OPEN COMMUNICATION

Even under the best of circumstances, communication can be strained as a relationship is ending. Yet keeping the lines of communication open is essential for reaching an agreement. Collaborative Law Practice provides for face-to-face meetings with you, your spouse and your respective lawyers and other advisers as needed. These sessions are intended to produce an honest exchange of information and expression of needs and expectations. When the issues are openly discussed, problem solving can be direct and solutions-oriented.