The Marks Law Firm, P.A.
Collaborative Law Overview

What is the Collaborative process?

A process in which individuals involved in a legal dispute work with professionals, including attorneys, mental health therapists, and certified family divorce analysts as part of a team to resolve issues amicably and provide fair solutions without going to court. The collaborative process considers each person’s needs and approaches these needs with open and complete sharing of information to move toward a positive outcome. Utilizing the mental health therapists, financial professionals, child specialists, vocational counselors, etc., the unique team of professionals are gathered to provide families with the professional resources to meet client’s needs and position families for future success.

What distinguishes the Collaborative Process from other methods of resolving divorce?

Parties receive the support of an attorney through the entire process while also having a customized team of professionals addressing legal, emotional, and financial issues with which the family is faced. The Collaborative Process promotes negotiation and problem-solving to obtain durable agreements, provide security and privacy, and less conflict in the future. Collaborative Divorce provides an opportunity to rebuild the trust and communication skills a couple will need post-divorce, which is in the best interest of the children and other family members.

What are the key benefits of the Collaborative Process?

• Allows a professional team to assist in working toward settlement in a non-adversarial manner.
• Potentially less expensive and time consuming.
• More control over of the outcome.
• Reduces opposition and hostility between parties.
• Minimizes future conflict.
• Provides new tools for valuable problem-solving that can be used in a positive way for the future post-divorce.
• Takes specific interests of both parties into consideration.

 

Is Collaborative Practice for Everyone?

No. The Collaborative process requires a certain amount of equality between each party. If there are serious power imbalances and issues which involve domestic violence, physical and mental abuse, mental illness, drug abuse, etc., then Collaborative practice may not be the best option. Speak to one of The Marks Law Firm attorneys to obtain more information about what method is most suitable for your situation