The collaborative process is an alternative to traditional contested divorce that removes the element of litigation and settles cases respectfully, transparently and privately. Unlike a contested divorce, the Collaborative Practice dispute-resolution process is based on a pledge in which you, your spouse, and your attorneys contractually agree to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement without having courts decide issues.
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.
Your contractual commitments also include creating shared solutions acknowledging the highest priorities of all, and maintaining open communication and information sharing. 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 process is not suitable for every divorce 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, a collaborative divorce 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.
Collaborative Practice Kansas City, LLC is a Kansas City area community of independent legal, mental health, and financial professionals working in concert to create client-centered processes for resolving divorce conflict.
For more information about the collaborative process and to learn if it’s right for you and your family, contact a Collaborative Practice team member at 913-380-2560 or click here.
