MCLC - Divorce & Family Law

DIVORCE: PROTECT WHAT’S IMPORTANT

When going through a divorce or other family law matters, couples face many challenges. They often feel overwhelmed. Is there a way to divorce or settle family law disputes without increasing conflict between the couple and within the family?

Yes. The Collaborative Law Process provides a way for couples to address these challenges in a private and positive environment.

In Collaborative Practice, clients work with a team of collaboratively professionals, including divorce attorneys, a coach/ facilitator, and, as needed, a financial specialist. An attorney represents each client, respectfully guiding and advising about family law throughout the process. A coach facilitator serves as a neutral, facilitating the process by assisting clients in clarifying and expressing their short term and long term interests and goals. A single financial professional analyzes and creates feasibility plans to preserve scarce family resources, including estates. The Collaborative Law Process applies to many family law circumstances; not just divorce law, but in some instances it includes paternity, child laws, child rights and a child parenting plan that reflects the concerns of each parent and the needs of the child/children. Collaborative Law is also appropriate for couples without children, as it provides a confidential setting for an out of court resolution which focuses on client control over outcome.

The team assists the couple in shaping the outcome that best meets their needs and interests. If there are children, the team focuses on the needs of their children without losing sight of mothers’ and fathers’ rights. The Collaborative Law Process enables clients to successfully resolve their disputes through respectful and productive communication.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

Encourages mutual respect to protect relationships
Provides for open communication
Identifies and addresses real interests and concerns
Utilizes a problem-solving approach that is client driven
Focuses on the best interests of children
Creates an agreement without going to court
Prepares for life after family reorganization, separation or divorce

The divorce was not easy, but this process has left me and [my ex-husband] able to collaborate and even remain very friendly; this had been my fondest fantasy but I was very doubtful that it would have happened—and I give you and the process lots of credit.