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Collaborative Divorce

Using Collaborative Practice To Have A Great Divorce

The Collaborative Divorce process is a team approach to Divorce.  Each party has their own Collaborative attorney to represent his or her interests, and the Team works together as a to identify issues, exchange information, and negotiate a fair and balanced settlement of the issues presented in their family law case. The Team's goal is to achieve a settlement that is in the best interest of the entire family unit, in a confidential, respectful manner. It is very important that the attorneys chosen are skilled and trained in the Collaborative Divorce model. The clients and the attorneys agree, in writing, that they will not go to court and they will work together to reach a settlement with the assistance of their attorneys. In the event that the negotiations fail, the attorney involved are prohibited from representing either party in Court.

The Collaborative Process is confidential and allows the parties to remain in control of the outcome. The process often employs the use of divorce coaches, financial neutrals and child specialists, when necessary, to assist and guide the parties through the process.

Benefits Of The Collaborative Divorce Approach

A Collaborative Divorce has several advantages over traditional litigation. In a Collaborative Case, the parties are able to maintain confidentiality of their intimate family matters and have greater control over the process, rather than giving up control to the court system. In addition, the collaborative process offers significant support to the parties to help them explore and understand the issues in their divorce and brainstorm different options to reach a fair and balanced settlement that meets the needs of all of the affected parties, including the children.

Some of the professionals that may be employed in a Collaborative Practice Case are:

Divorce coaches are marital and family therapists who have been specially trained in the collaborative process. These coaches will provide unique emotional support and assist the parties to negotiate in good faith and keep the process moving forward.

Financial advisers are experts who can assist with the required financial disclosures and help develop and evaluate different proposals for division of assets and debts. Financial advisors can help you plan for retirement or for your child's college education, understand the tax consequences of various settlement options, and more.

Child development specialists can provide valuable input on the best interests of the children considering the unique family dynamics presented. This is often very helpful for parents in deciding upon a parenting plan for their children.

To learn more about the benefits of collaborative law, please call the Law and Mediation Services of Lana M. Shearer at 916-226-1305 or send our lawyer an email today.

Areas We Serve

Based in Elk Grove, California, Shearer Law and Mediation, APC serves clients virtually throughout California.