What is Collaborative Family Law?

A process of resolving issues arising from a separation without going to court or threatening to go to court. The parties through the assistance of their lawyers negotiate a domestic contract and may use the assistance of third party professionals.

What are the advantages of the collaborative process?

The parties enter into a private domestic agreement instead of going to court in a public forum. If they cannot settle their issues through the collaborative process, the parties would need to get new lawyers if they want to be represented in court. This factor gives the parties more incentive to resolve their disputes. The collaborative approach can be less costly than a highly adversarial court proceeding.

Is collaborative law right for you?

This approach may not be appropriate if there are urgent issues that require court intervention such as a restraining order, or if there has been domestic violence in the relationship.

How do parties start the collaborative process?

Both parties and their lawyers sign a contract called a Collaborative Practice Participation Agreement to commit to the process.

Please contact us to learn more about our our collaborative family law services.