Collaborative Family Law is an emerging area of law that allows clients to settle family law cases such as divorce, separation, parenting and other family law issues, without the devastating effects of litigation.

In a Collaborative Law case, each client is represented by an attorney that practices Collaborative law.  Clients and attorneys, as well as any other needed professionals, sign a participation agreement that lays out the process and all parties’ commitment to steering clear of litigation. Everyone, the two attorneys and the two clients, work together as a team to seek out options, sometimes creative ones, which address the client’s interests and concerns.

Both clients share all information regarding the case, voluntarily disclosing all information needed to make a fair settlement, both clients make a good faith effort to look for resolutions that meet all family members� needs, and all parties agree to deal honestly and respectfully towards each other.  Essentially both clients are agreeing that they do not want a judge to make the decisions in their case when they have the ability to do it without court intervention.

FOUR WAY MEETINGS

 

Most of the work in Collaborative law cases occurs in four-way meetings.  A Participation Agreement is signed by all parties at the first meeting, at which time the parties can address immediate concerns such as parenting, child support, bills, etc.  Meetings are generally about 2 hours in length, and are held about 3 weeks apart.  The Four-Way meetings continue until a full settlement has been reached.

COLLABORATIVE LAW PROFESSIONALS AND EXPERTS

 

Sometimes, as in traditional family law cases, professionals are needed to address certain issues such as finances, parenting, mental health, real estate, etc. In Collaborative Family Law cases these professionals are used on a joint basis to help the parties develop solutions based on their professional expertise.  This limits the cost of having two professionals in the same area of expertise.

Collaborative Law provides the clients with the opportunity to reach amicable resolutions, increased understanding, and cooperation in parenting for the long-term.

To read more about Collaborative Law follow these Links:

Washington Collaborative Law

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

If the Collaborative Law approach doesn't sound right for you, then please visit our Family Law Page to learn more about the traditional Family Law services we provide.