How Does a Collaborative Divorce Work?
Divorce can be a challenging and bewildering process, with many emotions involved. It often entails acquiring legal representation, court appearances, and a substantial investment of time and money. Nonetheless, couples who are in mutual agreement can pursue a negotiation settlement, or collaborative divorce, that can streamline the process. How does a collaborative divorce work? Learn more about the collaborative divorce process below and turn to the team at Conniff & Keleher LLC if you need a collaborative divorce attorney in Chicago or the Chicagolandarea.
What is a Collaborative Divorce?
The collaborative divorce process starts with the ideas of mediation and negotiation. Both parties enter the process to complete the divorce process efficiently, cost-effectively, and harmoniously. With the help of a collaborative divorce attorney, both parties agree to keep the negotiation out of court and work to identify goals and terms that work for both parties. By avoiding court appearances and fillings, collaborative divorces can avoid the stress and hassle of litigated divorces.
A collaborative divorce attorney is beneficial as they can clarify the process and help point you in the right direction. They also utilize a team of specialists who can guide you through financial matters and agreements with children.
What is the Collaborative Divorce Process?
Understanding how a collaborative divorce works can help take the worry out of the process. Here are the typical steps in the negotiated divorce process:
- Each spouse hires a lawyer trained in the collaborative law process. They will guide you through the process and help prepare you for each upcoming meeting.
- Both parties and their respective attorneys will sign a participation agreement that sets the tone for the collaboration process. In the agreement, each spouse agrees to keep the negotiations out of court and on respectful terms and agrees to provide the necessary financial documents to move forward. It also usually includes a direction that both attorneys must withdraw from the case if it does go to court.
- When you meet with your attorney privately, be sure to outline exactly what you want out of the process, whether it’s financial terms or child care determinations. Keep in mind that this is a negotiation process and may require compromise.
- Through a series of meetings, both parties’ negotiation settlement teams will work to come to an agreement. These meetings may include neutral experts including mental health professionals, child custody specialists, and financial professionals.
- Once co-parenting, child support, division of assets, and spousal support are agreed on, both teams will draw up legally binding documents and file them with the court to finalize the divorce agreement and the divorce process.
Rely on Conniff & Keleher LLC for Your Representation
Now that you know more about how a collaborative divorce works, we hope this can take the stress and confusion out of the separation process. Collaborative divorce is a common practice and our team at Conniff & Keleher LLCis suited to divorce negotiation in Chicago and the Chicagoland area. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
