Collaborative Family Law
What is Collaborative Divorce and Family Law?
It is a cooperative approach to negotiating and settling the issues arising from a separation without the necessity of litigation (not going to court to resolve differences). Separated spouses, with the assistance of specially trained family law attorneys, negotiate their issues, as they define them, in a controlled, safe, and respectful setting. While the meetings are structured negotiations between the spouses and their lawyers, the environment is one that is less formal and threatening than court. These “Four-way Meetings” allow the spouses to explore together their issues, as they define them, in their voices.
The Lawyers act both as communication / negotiation coaches for their clients, and simultaneously fulfill their typical role of advising their clients about their legal positions, entitlements and obligations. The parties focus on effectively communicating to gather facts and discover each other’s interests. Emotional tactics, threats, or abusive communications are all identified, discussed and eliminated. The lawyers, having agreed not to take part in any litigation that may occur if an agreement isn’t reached, efficiently focus their time and effort solely on settlement, rather than posturing or preparing documents or themselves for court. Everyone, including the lawyers, is focused on creating together a stable, fair, legal Agreement that works for “this family”.”
Not all cases are suited for this collaborative approach. The attorneys at Sodoma Law can work with you to determine if a collaborative divorce or a collaborative approach on another family law matter is the right option for you.
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