Collaborative law offers an alternative to a litigated divorce in Massachusetts. In the collaborative practice model, you and your lawyer work together with your spouse and your spouse’s lawyer to reach your individual and mutual goals. Here’s are the distinct differences of Collaborative Law when compared to the standard divorce process:
- The Collaborative Law process is confidential — unlike court, which is public. With Collaborative Law, everyone signs a confidentiality agreement
- Each client has their own collaboratively trained lawyer to advise them, and help protect his or her individual interests
- The lawyers are advocates not adversaries
- The attorneys and clients together explore ways in which both parties may attain their goals and have their legal needs met
- Both parties are involved in finding solutions that work for them, instead of leaving it up to a judge
- A collaboratively trained case facilitator or coach addresses emotional issues and keeps the process moving forward in a timely and professional manner
- If children are involved, the case facilitator may be able to meet with the parties without the lawyers to work on a parenting plan, which can keep legal costs down
- Collaborative Law encourages open and respectful negotiations, which may also help preserve family relationships even after the case is over
- Both parties agree to full financial disclosure which creates a positive environment for settlement of financial as well as other issues
- Because the process is more efficient, it is often faster and less costly than traditional litigation