Collaborative law is an interest based approach to family law which emphasizes dispute resolution using a non-adversarial approach. The parties are assisted with creating shared solutions to their family law issues and encouraged to reach an agreement through negotiations without court involvement.
These negotiations take place over a series of meetings where the parties get together with their attorneys, a neutral mental health professional and a neutral financial professional. During the meetings, communication and information sharing is encouraged. The parties agree to resolve their differences without filing with the court for a decision. In fact, if either party files with the court during the process, all involved professionals will withdraw from the case.
Collaborative family law focuses on the family and its needs.
The Collaborative process is private and confidential and the final agreement and supporting financial documents are usually not filed with the court.
A commitment to full disclosure and open communication often results in a quicker case resolution than with traditional litigation.
More Affordable
The Collaborative process can be more affordable than traditional litigation. With traditional litigation, documents are usually obtained through the discovery process and may require that the parties file motions with the court and attend hearings. Fees and costs can spiral out of control. With collaborative family law, at the beginning of the process the parties enter into a collaborative participation agreement where they agree to cooperate in exchanging and producing all necessary documents. The collaborative process also allows for the use of one mental health and financial professional as opposed to two of each, which is normally the standard in a litigated family law case. With the use of less professionals and with reduced litigation, fees and costs for third party experts are more controlled.
The Collaborative Family law process is not limited to divorces and can be used for a wide array of family law matters such as those involving paternity, child custody, visitation, modification, etc.
Positive and Respectful Process
The collaborative process not only allows for a more positive and respectful divorce process but provides the tools for families and individuals to transition to the next phase of their lives. Parties who choose the collaborative family law alternative to litigation benefit from learning conflict resolution skills and are more likely to be satisfied with the final resolution because of their level of involvement during the process and their control over the outcome.
If you have decided to end your marriage but are interested in working cooperatively with dignity and respect to solve financial, emotional and/or parenting matters then the Collaborative process is right for you. Attorney Natalie D. Hall, P.A. serves Orlando, Winter Park and the surrounding areas. Contact Orlando Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Natalie D. Hall for a Case Evaluation today
