In a collaborative process divorce, a win-win process is encouraged where both parties pledge to not go to court (except to finalize the divorce). This process allows for more creative problem solving and ensures that resolutions meet the needs of all members of your family while still being led by legal counsel.
With the collaborative process, both you and your spouse agree to provide all requested information transparently to both attorneys. The collaborative process frequently requires less time, money, and emotional energy to be spent before a resolution is reached. You will not need to worry about subpoenas or litigation – your entire collaborative process divorce will be handled without these typical divorce stressors.
Collaborative Hallmarks:
- Control: You and your spouse control the process & make final decisions.
- Adversity: Both spouses contractually pledge mutual respect and openness.
- Cost: Costs are manageable, usually less expensive than litigation; a “team model” is financially efficient in use of experts.
- Outside Experts: Jointly retained specialists provide information & guidance toward mutually beneficial solutions.
- Privacy: The process, discussion, and negotiation details are kept private.
- Communication: Both spouses communicate directly with the assistance from members of your team.
Collaborative Principles:
Core Principle #1: Your situation is resolved outside the court during and after the divorce
- Work occurs as a team
- Private
Core Principle #2: Everything is “on the table”
- Full financial disclosure
- Workplace/career impact
- Family or child issues
- Other issues the court may not consider
Core Principle #3: Your team cannot represent you if you leave the process and litigate
- Your team is in place to support you throughout the collaborative process
- If that process breaks down, the team is contractually obligated to step away
Core Principle #4: Parties’ needs are addressed within the “Safe Container”
- Team effort is to develop options reflective of the family’s goals and interests
Collaborative process divorce leads to more satisfaction for divorcing couples and delivers better results for children so you are less likely to need to go to court in the future.
Collaborative Process Kansas City
Research shows that one of the best predictors of a positive collaborative divorce process and outcome is the selection by divorcing spouses of collaborative professionals who respect each other, who have successful track records of settling cases together, and who work together effectively and efficiently to help you reach creative, respectful, and thoughtful solutions.
Members of the Collaborative Practice Kansas City group meet the standards for practice excellence as set by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) and meet regularly to assure continued commitment to and practice of these standards.
To find out if collaborative divorce is right for your family, contact Collaborative Practice Kansas City at 913-380-2560 or click here.
