When you see the list of documents that will be gathered and exchanged by you and your spouse in the collaborative process, it will probably seem overwhelming. However, the documents are essential to the process for a number of reasons. First, transparency is essential to productive negotiation.
You cannot be expected to negotiate in good faith without being fully informed about the subject matter about which you are negotiating. You should not expect your spouse or your spouse’s lawyer to rely solely on your word; the attorneys involved must advise their clients and in order to do that, they must be informed.
Second, the collaborative law agreement you and your spouse signed at the start of the process requires you to be forthcoming with documents and information (even when it is not requested of you!).
Third, the documents exchanged are documents that each party would be entitled to if you were going to court, and you would be required to produce the documents to your spouse in that setting. The professionals involved in your case are aware of the amount of time it will take you to gather all of the documents needed, but be assured that the documentation you have been asked to gather is essential to the process.
Courtney Smith is an attorney at Hatcher Law Group who focuses on helping people accomplish their goals through the legal system by providing guidance and realistic expectations.