Collaborative Family Law
Collaborative Family Law is a cooperative and dignified approach to separation and divorce.
This relatively new process works best with couples who can talk reasonably and rationally to resolve their issues.
The Collaborative Family Law approach preserves the long term interests of the family using cooperation and open communication.
If both parties agree to using the collaborative model, a Participation Agreement is signed by the spouses, their lawyers and any other professional members of the team. If either spouse decides later to go to court, then everyone on the team must withdraw from the process, including the lawyers. This ensures that both spouses and their lawyers are committed to and focused on a successfully negotiated result.
The lawyer’s role is to provide legal advice, and coaching in an organized framework to help couples agree on the terms of a separation agreement. Collaborative Family Law is a voluntary process for resolving conflict in a cooperative way through confidential settlement meetings.
Read more about alternatives to court
Collaboration eases the emotional strains of a break up and protects the needs and well being of the children.
The goal of Collaborative Family Law is to assist separating spouses and their children to achieve the best possible outcome for all concerned. Collaborative Family Law encourages mutual respect and emphasizes the needs of children.
Through open communication, as well as full and transparent financial disclosure, both parties identify and address their concerns and interests. The process paves the way for smooth transitions and interactions in the future. Parties reaching agreement themselves tend to be happier in the long run than those who have decisions imposed on them by a judge, in court.
The collaborative approach keeps you in control of the process and keeps it out of the courts.
Divorce is psychologically stressful. Collaborative Family Law offers an alternative to lengthy and devastating legal battles. With a focus on conflict resolution and mutual respect, the needs of the parties and children can be achieved through cooperation and non-adversarial strategies.
As your collaborative family lawyer, Diane Daly acts as your legal adviser to help you reach the best possible results for you and your family.
Collaborative Family Law is not for everyone, but it is a viable and preferred method for many families. Diane Daly can give you the information you need to decide if it is right for you.