THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS

The Collaborative Process is a voluntary alternative dispute resolution process in which the parties, not the Court, control the case.  The focus of the Collaborative Process is to reach a comprehensive settlement agreement that focuses on meeting the goals of all parties involved.  If you opt into the Collaborative Process, you opt out of the Court system.  We have been trained in the Collaborative Process and would be happy to be on your team.  

At the beginning of the Collaborative Process, you and your partner will each retain collaboratively trained attorneys who can assist in navigating the Collaborative Process. Once the collaboratively trained attorneys have been retained, the parties and their attorneys decide which other collaboratively trained professionals are necessary to assist the parties in reaching their goals. Forensic accountants, mental health professionals, parenting experts, and financial planners are examples of such other professionals.  Once the other professionals are selected, meetings are scheduled to address the parties' issues.  The parties, their attorneys, and the other professionals form a "team" and meet to assist the parties in addressing the various aspects of their case (i.e., parenting, division of assets, support). The "team" follows an agenda at every meeting and can resolve an issue more quickly than the legal system.  

The Collaborative Process is confidential.  While some financial documents are required to be provided to the court, most of the parties' financial information can be kept out of the court file. 

During the initial consultation, we will provide you with the information needed to determine if the Collaborative Process is the right process for your case. 

If you want to learn more about the Collaborative Process, please call today to schedule a consultation.