Collaborative law is one way of settling a dispute without going to court. Other ways to settle legal problems are through divorce mediation and family law arbitration. An experienced attorney can help you weigh the benefits of arbitration and mediation versus collaborative divorce. However, all three are negotiating processes that take place in out-of-court settings. All are completely voluntary.
Why Would I Want To Do This?
While the phrase, collaborative law, might be a mouthful, the process is quite straightforward. A collaborative law process usually helps to resolve a divorce more quickly and for less money.
How Does It Work?
- Both spouses agree that the attorneys they have hired will not go to court.
- The lawyers and clients set up a meeting instead of filing a lawsuit with the court.
- During the meeting, the divorcing spouses will openly share and exchange the documents and information necessary to resolve all of the issues.
Will My Case Actually Be Over?
Yes, it will. I have helped many clients finalize the terms of their divorces this way. Each spouse can walk away after the meeting is over, feeling that he or she had direct influence over the outcome of the negotiation process, whereas, leaving highly emotional decisions, like custody, to a judge or jury can be risky.
Because this is a voluntary process, most couples who agree to negotiate this way, want to finalize the divorce and move forward. My clients are satisfied that they obtained the best solution possible, especially when they consider the emotional and financial expense of going to court.
If the spouses cannot reach an agreement, then, they must retain a new attorney and proceed to file the divorce in court.
Please Call A Knowledgeable Collaborative Family Law Lawyer
Silverman Divorce & Mediation Law has successfully helped many clients resolve their divorces through the collaborative law process. It is a process that judges support and encourage and the agreement reached is fully enforceable in court if one person does not follow through.
You can reach me by calling 925-401-7339 or contact me online. Allow me to explain how collaborative law can help you. I serve clients throughout the San Ramon and Pleasanton, California, area, including The East Bay and Tri-Valley areas and Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
