Negotiated Civil Union Settlements

A negotiated civil union settlement is an agreement that is crafted between the two parties with the assistance of their family law attorneys, who help ensure each party’s rights are protected. Negotiated civil union settlements appeal to couples that prefer to work directly with one another and avoid court intervention.

Unlike mediation, each party is represented by their own attorney and there is no independent facilitator. A negotiated civil union settlement is also different from collaborative divorce in that it does not require the input and counsel of collaboratively trained neutral professionals. However, for couples who want to negotiate directly with one another, this process can be very appealing. A couple often has a clear understanding of how the union assets should be divided in accordance with Illinois civil union laws, how the parenting-time (or visitation) should be shared, and what the family support (either child support or maintenance) should be. Well-structured settlement negotiations between the parties can produce mutually beneficial agreements.

In a negotiated civil union settlement, the parties will either negotiate between themselves or through their attorneys. One of the party’s attorneys will craft a negotiated civil union settlement and present it to the other attorney. The attorneys will then negotiate with each other, under the direction of the clients, to reach a negotiated civil union settlement.

Negotiated settlements are best suited for couples who are able to agree on the major issues in their legal separation, making the process smoother and less contentious. Accordingly, negotiated settlements are best suited for amicable and uncontested legal separations. Since the court is not called upon to resolve disputes between the parties, the cost of a negotiated legal separation settlement may be substantially less than a litigated civil union legal separation. Further, without the lengthy delays inherent in litigation, a negotiated settlement may allow a couple to reach a finalized civil union legal settlement agreement in less time.

If you’re exploring your options, speaking with a trusted family law attorney near you can help clarify whether a negotiated settlement fits your needs.