COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW
Settlement Focused and Interest Based
We deploy a collaborative approach to resolving family issues. Collaborative family law is a dispute resolution process, facilitated by lawyers who assist participants in resolving conflict using cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques in the Court system.
Through a series of group meetings, lawyers and participants focus on identifying underlying interests and generating solutions that meet them. Collaborative Family Law participants agree to negotiate an agreement without going to court.
Divorce
Separation
Parenting
Access
Spousal and Child Support
Division of Assets
Marriage Agreement
Cohabitation Agreement
COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
A customized, respectful alternative to traditional adversarial divorce is available to you and your spouse. Collaborative divorce or collaborative separation refers to the use of an out-of-court process that addresses the emotional, financial and legal issues that arise as your family transitions from one household to two. It is a voluntary process that focuses on making sure all the information you require to make decisions is available, and that your negotiations remain constructive and capture your interests. Respectful communication and full transparency are of primary importance.
THE BENEFITS OF A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
LOWER COST
Collaborative law is cost-effective in comparison to litigating in the Court system. The court process requires a lot of time spent by the lawyers in preparation of the required court documents as well as preparing for each step of the process itself.
SHORTER TIMELINES
How long a resolution takes depends on the complexity of the financial information to be assembled and you and your spouse’s ability to work together to resolve conflict areas. Litigation is a long, drawn-out process. The court controls when you can move to the next step in the process and there are long delays in some jurisdictions.
CONTROL
You, the client, controls the process - rather than a judge or mediator. Yes there are protocols for the steps and pace of a collaborative file, but clients can customize a wide variety of decisions along the way so that the process meets their needs. You and your spouse are guided through settlement negotiations by professionals who are focused on your goals and priorities.
ADVERSITY
A primary goal of collaborative law is to minimize conflict and maximize the opportunities for settlement. This is achieved by ensuring that the information that is required to make decisions is available and that you have the support you need from collaborative professionals to make informed decisions. Prioritizing goals and interests, respectful communication and financial transparency minimize the possibility of adversity.