Defined as: A process for resolving divorce and other similar family issues by good faith negotiation on a cooperative, voluntary basis without litigation.
One way of handling your divorce or separation is to get a collaborative divorce or 'collaborative law'. This is when you and your spouse or domestic partner, each with your own legal counsel, sit and negotiate the details of your divorce or separation.
You will need to have private meetings with your lawyer as well as have meetings with your spouse or domestic partner with all your attorneys present. Occasionally, other professionals may be asked to be present at these meetings, depending on the matter at hand such as a child custody specialist or accountants. This is all to avoid going into court and in front of a judge.
Both spouses or domestic partners will usually sign a contract stating that they both agree to settle the divorce or separation outside of court. The lawyers will have to withdraw from the case if no divorce or separation agreement is reached and the case has to go to court. From then on, both parties will need to secure new legal counsel to represent them.
Collaborative Divorce video
Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Bettina Yanez
