While negotiation and mediation are tools to settle disputes, collaborative law proceedings involve an entirely different alternative to litigating in court. In collaborative law proceedings, you and your spouse each hire an attorney trained in the collaborative law process. Both sides and their lawyers enter into an agreement, which provides that all parties agree to the collaborative law process. Although the process may be lengthy, it enables the focus to shift away from the conflict and toward finding solutions. The attorneys become a part of the team supporting settlement rather than advocates adding to the conflict.
Talk to your lawyer about whether your case would be well suited to the collaborative law process.
By Josh Goodman