COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

Here’s an overview of the collaborative divorce process :

1. Choosing Collaborative Professionals – Each participant selects their own collaboratively trained attorney. These attorneys are committed to resolving disputes through negotiation rather than litigation. Additionally, other professionals such as facilitators, financial experts, child specialists, or therapists may be involved to provide specialized guidance and support.
2. Initial Meeting – The participants, along with their respective attorneys and neutral team members, review and sign the participation agreement which establishes the ground rules and expectations for the process. Once the participation agreement is fully executed, the process officially begins.
3. Information Gathering – The participants, their attorneys and neutral team members, work together to gather all the necessary information related to the issues at hand, such as financial documents, parenting plans, and other relevant details. This ensures that everyone has a comprehensive understanding of the situation and can make informed decisions.
4. Joint Meetings – The participants, along with their attorneys and neutral team members, meet in joint sessions to discuss the various issues and interests involved in their family law case. These meetings focus on generating options and exploring potential solutions that meet the needs and interests of both participant. The collaborative professionals help facilitate productive discussions and guide the process.
5. Negotiation and Agreement – Through a series of joint meetings, the participants negotiate and work toward reaching agreements on matters such as property division, child custody and visitation, spousal support, and any other relevant issues. The focus is on finding mutually acceptable solutions that take into account the interests and priorities of both participants.
6. Finalizing the Agreement – Once the participants have reached agreements on all the necessary issues, their attorneys assist in drafting the formal legal documents reflecting the terms of the agreement. The agreements are reviewed and finalized by the participants and submitted to the court to become official Orders of the Court.
7. Final Step – Once all necessary documents have been filed, the case is ready to be scheduled for an uncontested final hearing where the divorce becomes official and the case is finalized through the entry of a final judgment.