Collaborative Divorce
I have practiced exclusively in divorce and family law for more than 20 years. During that time, I have seen the debilitating costs of litigation, including depleted finances, frayed emotions and damaged parenting relationships.
There Is An Alternative
I devote a significant portion of my practice to collaborative law, providing men and women going through divorce with an alternative to litigation. I am certified by the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois as a collaborative law attorney and focus on providing my clients with compassionate service during all phases of the process.
Collaborative Divorce Instead Of Contested Litigation
Many people do not want to sit down and try to reach solutions. Many people just want to fight in court and, at the end of the day, learn a very hard lesson: They have paid an enormous sum of money for their attorney to fight the fight. Yes, you may want the fight, but can you afford to pay for it? And if you have children, how would they feel about being caught in the middle of a messy divorce?
How Does Collaborative Divorce Work?
Unlike mediation which uses a neutral mediator, collaboration typically consists of both partners attending meetings with their own lawyers at their side. In collaborative divorce sessions, the focus is on solving problems that are preventing the divorce from being finalized.
By helping encourage a positive outlook, collaborative law attorneys can work with their clients to make sure their voices are heard and to reach agreements both parties can live with regarding a variety of issues, including:
- Division of marital property
- Spousal maintenance/alimony
- Child custody
- Child support
- Parenting plans
Reaching An Agreement
The goal of collaborative divorce sessions is to reach an agreement that can become the final divorce decree. Once an agreement has been reached, attorneys create legally binding divorce documents that are filed with the court.
A crucial advantage of collaborative law is that, unlike litigation and other methods of dispute resolution, spouses remain in control of the outcome. Decrees reached through agreement are often more durable than those handed down by a judge.
Give Collaborative Divorce A Chance
Arguing and acrimony have not gotten you anywhere. Why not give collaboration a try with the help of a certified collaborative law attorney? Contact my Libertyville office today to schedule a consultation.
