Collaborative Divorce: What Does It Mean?

When mentioning collaborative divorce, most might not know what that actually means. Traditional divorce is often adversarial, overwhelming, intimidating, and  confusing, and can be very expensive with two separate litigation attorneys. A collaborative divorce is completely different from a traditional divorce. Collaborative divorce allows you and your partner to create a long-lasting divorce settlement without court intervention.

 

In a collaborative divorce, using the support of two collaborative  attorneys, a divorce coach, and a financial neutral, all involved will take the time necessary to address the issues special to their case and create a lasting divorce settlement without getting involved with the court. Typically, when thinking ‘divorce’, people automatically begin thinking impending fights, intimidation, loss of control, and all the expenses involved. There are better options. The goal of collaborative divorce in Overland Park, KS is to find a resolution that will work for both  parties in regard to the various aspects of divorce. This includes things like the division of assets and debts, creating a parenting plan for your children, and any future financial arrangements. 

 

At the onset of the process, each spouse signs a participation agreement and agrees to share openly and honestly any and all information relevant and needed to address the financial and legal issues in their case. All negotiations are conducted in six-way  meetings. A typical 6-way meeting looks something like this:

 

 

The goal of each six-way meeting is to create acceptable solutions and resolution to the various aspects of the divorce that need addressed. This setting is safe and structured space for both parties to display transparency and integrity, which are key components to the  process. Professionalism by all team members is paramount for success. After all, no two marriages are the same. What works for one marriage may not work for yours when it comes to collaborative divorce.

 

If you are in Johnson County, KS including Overland Park, KS and have decided collaborative divorce is the best step for you and your family,  contact me, Elizabeth Hill, to  schedule a consultation at The Hill Law Firm, P.C. Please also feel free to call me at (913) 381-1500 with any questions you have regarding collaborative divorce and anything it involves.