Collaborative divorce represents an approach to divorce for couples looking to end their marriage by negotiating a mutually acceptable settlement without having courts decide the outcome. Contested divorce, the traditional adversarial divorce process, is being replaced by collaborative divorce as the preferred divorce option for families. The collaborative process is designed to provide maximum support and resources for you and your spouse in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution of all the issues associated with a divorce and the resulting life changes.
The collaborative process is the means through which Collaborative Practice Kansas City, LLC provides couples with a holistic approach to managing divorce. Throughout the collaborative process, each spouse receives individual legal guidance and advice from their legal counsel and that of neutral professionals who support the team effort in developing creative solutions. Together, the Collaborative Practice professionals leverage the collaborative process to work with you and reach a settlement agreement that works for both parties.
The collaborative divorce dispute-resolution process is based on a pledge in which you, your spouse, and your attorneys contractually agree that the attorneys will not go to court, except to finalize the divorce. You and your spouse are always directly involved in the process and retain control over your own outcome. The process of collaborative divorce provides a forum for open communication, planning, settling disputes through problem-solving, and working with a team to develop creative solutions. Collaborative Practice enables participants to have control of decision-making within the divorce with the support of a professional team.
It is important to recognize that use of the collaborative divorce process is not suitable for every case. Both parties must be willing to negotiate and work together to achieve a mutually agreeable arrangement for the process to be effective, so it is not ideal when there is extreme animosity between divorcing partners and one or both are unwilling to work towards resolution. If both parties are committed to a fair and equitable agreement, however, the collaborative process is a cost effective, lower stress alternative to traditional litigation.
The collaborative process is especially helpful for separated parents learning to work together in the best interest of their children. This process encourages creative problem solving, win-win negotiations, and resolutions that meet the needs of all members of your family. Collaborative Practice provides more satisfaction for divorcing couples and better results for children so you are less likely to go to court in the future.
For more information about collaborative divorce, contact a Collaborative Practice Kansas City, LLC team member today.
