FAQs

Collaborative family law changes the usual way of fighting in court, where one person wins and the other loses. Instead, it’s like a team working together to find a solution that’s good for everyone in the family. Instead of you and your lawyer fighting against your former spouse/partner and their lawyer, all four of you work together. You share your financial information, are honest, and try to find an agreement that’s fair for both. Another special thing about collaborative family law is that we bring in other experts like social workers, psychologists, parenting coaches, and financial experts to help out when needed.

  1. Start with a Team: Each person gets their own lawyer who knows about collaborative law. If needed, other experts like child specialists or financial advisors might join too.
  2. Setting the Stage: In the first meeting, everyone agrees to follow the collaborative process. This means no going to court. Everyone commits to working things out in a respectful way.
  3. Meetings and Discussions: Everyone meets in a safe and private space. In these meetings, people talk openly about their concerns and what they want. Lawyers guide the conversations, making sure it’s fair.
  4. Problem-Solving: The group discusses different solutions. They look at everyone’s needs and come up with options that could work for everyone. This might involve things like parenting arrangements or dividing property.
  5. Making Agreements: Once everyone agrees on solutions, they’re written down. Lawyers help make these agreements legally binding. It’s like a contract that everyone follows.
  6. Support Along the Way: Throughout the process, professionals offer guidance and support. They help keep discussions calm and on track.
  7. Finalizing the Agreement: When all the agreements are made, they’re signed by everyone. This shows that everyone is committed to following them.

There are countless benefits of using collaborative family law for resolving family disputes. One of the main benefits is the ability to maintain a higher level of control over the outcome as the end result is determined by agreement. Another important benefit is the focus on maintaining positive and open communication, which typically leads to a happier family environment.

Yes, collaborative family law can be used for many different kinds of family issues. This includes things like divorce, deciding who will take care of the children (child custody), and figuring out how to divide things like money and property. It’s a way to solve these problems by working together instead of going to court. However, in some situations where there’s a lot of conflict or safety concerns, other options might be considered more appropriate.

Collaborative family law professionals are the people who help families work together to solve problems. These professionals can be parenting coaches, child specialists, lawyers,  and financial experts. They all work together to find the best solutions for the family.

Yes, you still receive legal advice during the collaborative process. Your lawyer will be there to guide you and give you advice to help you make the best decisions for your situation. They are on your side throughout the collaborative process.

If you can’t come to an agreement through collaborative family law, you still have the option to go to court. If the collaborative process doesn’t work, you can choose to pursue litigation to have a judge make the final decision. It’s a backup plan if collaboration doesn’t lead to an agreement. However, your collaborative lawyer will typically no longer be able and/or willing to represent you through the Court process and you will need to find a new lawyer.

Collaborative family law may cost about the same as traditional litigation. The expenses can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the professionals involved. However, collaborative law often aims to be more efficient, which might lead to lower costs in some situations. It’s important to discuss the costs with your lawyer to understand better how they apply to your specific case.

The time it takes to resolve family disputes through collaborative family law can vary. It often depends on how complex the issues are and how willing everyone is to work together. Some cases might be resolved in a few months, while others could take longer. The collaborative process aims to be more efficient than going to court, but it’s essential to be patient and focus on finding the best solutions for your family’s situation.

Yes, the agreements made through collaborative family law are legally binding. Once both participants agree and sign the separation agreement, it becomes a legal document. If either participant doesn’t follow the agreement, it can be enforced through the court system. This means that if someone doesn’t do what they agreed to, the other participant can ask the court to make sure the agreement is followed. So, the agreements have legal weight, and there’s a process in place to ensure they are upheld

avatar Find a Professional