Are You Able to Work It Out?
Collaborative Divorce and Family Law as an Alternative
Family Law Form
If you are getting divorced or determining child custody, but believe you can work out an amicable agreement, collaborative law is more cost-effective and less adversarial than the traditional process.
This form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) avoids courtroom battles and brings the divorcing spouses or separating parents together in a spirit of cooperation and compromise. It is not for everyone, and not for every situation. Contact Engel Law Group to discuss your unique circumstances and the pros and cons of collaboration. We are a Seattle, Washington, divorce and family law office serving men and women of the Puget Sound area. We offer a free half-hour consultation at 206.625.9800.
What Is Collaborative Law?
Unlike mediation, in which you work out an agreement under the guidance of a neutral third party, in collaborative divorce, both persons have their own attorney. Unlike traditional four-party negotiation, the couple signs an agreement not to litigate. In this atmosphere, they are free to hash out reasonable, workable terms of a mutual agreement. Collaborative law sometimes includes child psychologists, accountants, and other professionals to put all issues on the table and see the "big picture."
Advantages of Collaborative Law
- Generally quicker settlements
- Lower legal expenses
- Less hostility, suspicion, and resentment
- You control the outcome
- No court appearances
- Fewer future modifications
- Emphasizes the best interests of children
- A lawyer advises you during the sessions (unlike mediation)
Why Doesn't Everybody Do This?
Collaborative law requires a certain leap of faith. If the process breaks down after the agreement is signed, we would be ethically prevented from representing you in subsequent litigation. You would each have to hire another attorney in order to go to court — potentially sapping thousands of dollars in additional legal fees. Collaborative divorce can work if both parties are committed to an amicable resolution. If your soon-to-be-ex was allergic to compromise during the marriage, this may not be the right process for either of you.
However, if there are no major disputes, and you both get along, collaborative law makes sense. It's not the size of your estate, but your determination to move forward.
Contact our Seattle office for a free, half-hour consultation to discuss all your legal options with an experienced divorce attorney. You can reach me at 206.625.9800.
