A More Streamlined Resolution
The least contentious of the divorce scenarios is the collaborative law process. Essentially, each party hires a lawyer to represent their interests. Then the parties select a team of neutral professionals, generally a mental health consultant and a financial accountant. The mental health professional helps the adults and any children deal with the emotional aspects of the divorce and issues such as custody and visitation. The financial professional assesses the assets and liabilities, and delves into financial details such as alimony and child support.
When the parties can agree on a majority of the issues, this less adversarial approach can get both moving forward more quickly at a reduced cost. Many issues are resolved in private, not in court. Because both parties use the same neutral professionals, there is no duplication of work and expenses. Each side works with the same collected information. Then they work together to reach agreement, rather than a judge deciding “winners and losers.”
The parties may meet multiple times to negotiate an agreement. A skilled collaborative law attorney will keep things on track to prevent the need for mediation or court intervention. Once a collaborative agreement is reached, the parties file the divorce papers and settlement agreement with the local court.
Each party enters the collaborative process voluntarily but can exit at any time. If things fall apart, the lawyers in the collaborative process cannot take part in future litigation.
How We Can Help
Even though the collaborative process is an amicable one, your future is still at stake. Don’t focus on the immediate future and become blind to the long-term effects of what is decided now. At Carl T. Boake, P.A., our 30 years of experience in the divorce arena is at your disposal. We can identify those future pitfalls in a settlement and offer solutions. If you’d like to avoid a prolonged trial, we’re ready to help you end your marriage quickly but favorably for your future.
Call Carl for more information about how he can help you today without fretting about tomorrow.