Collaborative Divorce Is A Preferred Method Of Resolving Family Disputes

Collaborative divorce law, developed in the early 1990s, increasingly is becoming a preferred method of resolving family disputes. By using a collaborative law process, a divorcing husband and wife avoid spending time in a courtroom and can maintain greater control over the outcome and timing of their case.

Each party contractually commits to full disclosure and to negotiating productively toward a fair and equitable agreement, rather than using the adversarial approaches common to the courtroom. Attorneys serve as client advocates to identify and explore mutually acceptable solutions. As needed, mental health professionals may be added to the team to provide coaching, and financial professionals may be called in to offer practical budget and tax planning advice.

Collaboration can cut down on the conflict and expense of divorce five ways. You and your spouse can:

  • Stabilize your situation through a temporary agreement.
  • Exchange all necessary information voluntarily.
  • Agree on legal procedures that cut down expense and simplify the process.
  • Negotiate a settlement that works for you both.
  • Come to an agreement on how post-divorce issue will be handled.

Whether you use the collaborative divorce approach from the beginning or for only part of your divorce, you will save money and time. Most importantly, you will get through the divorce process with your dignity and moral standards intact.

 

As a healthier and more respectful method for resolving family disputes, collaborative divorce law reduces the anxiety of a divorce, humanizes the process and protects the best interests of children because it increases the chances for a cordial relationship as a dissolved couple. 

Levy Craig Family Law attorney, Nathalie Elliott, is extensively trained in collaborative law and mediation and is qualified to practice collaborative law in Missouri and Kansas. With more than 25  years of experience, she has successfully handled collaborative law cases for clients in both states. As collaborative divorce counsel, Nathalie:

  • Provides client counsel throughout the process
  • Prepares for and participate in group meetings with the collaborative law team
  • Works cooperatively with the other spouse’s attorney
  • Helps identify customized settlement options that serve the needs of each family member
  • Guides the process to settlement
  • Files the legal documents and finalize the case after a settlement is reached 

For more information about collaborative divorce, call the Family Law Practice at Levy Craig at (816) 454-7474.