What are the Pros and Cons to Collaborative Law?

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 a quick pros and cons list:

Pros:

1. Litigation is avoided
2. Parties Are in Control of the Collaborative Process
3. Proceedings Are Private
4. Each Party Has Their Own Attorney
5. It Is Easier to Keep High Emotion Out of the Process

Cons:

1. If the Process Fails, Both Attorneys are Fired
2. The Court Cannot Grant Relief
3. The Process Is Not Suited for High-Conflict Couples
4. Collaborative Divorce Is Not Necessarily the Least Expensive Method