Collaborative Divorce: The Process

When many read or hear about the Collaborative Divorce Process, they might think it is only for those couples that already agree on everything. That is simply not the case. In fact, the Collaborative Divorce Process may be the best way for the most contested divorces to actually reach an outcome that works best for everyone involved.

The Collaborative Divorce process is non-adversarial, despite the spouses’ history, and redirects the focus from vindication or punishment to the needs and interests of the parties, and especially those of any children involved. To be considered a Collaborative Divorce, all parties and professionals must agree to follow the guidelines set out by the participation agreement and the law.

STEP 1: Qualifying for Collaborative Divorce

Ask your attorney about the Collaborative Divorce Process to decide if this process is right for your case. Chances are, if you are interested in a divorce that preserves your ability to transition in a healthy way into the next stage of your life, a Collaborative Divorce might be something to seriously consider.

STEP 2: Finding the Right Legal Representative

When interviewing an attorney to retain for your divorce, ask about the Collaborative Divorce experience. Generally, both parties have an attorney during the process, and preferably they have experience and knowledge of Family Law and the Collaborative Divorce Process. A lawyer who can cooperate well with the other party and safeguard your interests, can be invaluable. Click here to read the guide on finding the right Collaborative Divorce lawyer.

STEP 3: Signing a Collaborative Participation Agreement

If all parties decide to use the Collaborative Divorce Process, the attorneys will prepare the participation agreement. This agreement is binding on the parties, and all the professionals that sign the participation agreement, including the neutral experts. During the process, neutral experts can be jointly retained by parties to prevent any bias, for example a financial advisors, child custody specialists, psychiatrists, accountants, and others.

STEP 4: Following the Collaborative Law Procedure

Once the agreement to follow the Collaborative Divorce Process is made, the parties and collaborative team start the work on the case, outside the pressure or interference of the court, and away from the public eye. From there, it is up to the parties and collaborative team to attend meetings, strike agreements, and keep an open communication until they reach a conclusion.

STEP 5: Finalizing the Decree of Divorce

Once the parties resolve all the issues in the case with the assistance of the collaborative team, the Court is presented the agreement for approval. In the event an agreement cannot be reached, relief from the Court is still available, under the terms of the participation agreement and the law. However, statistics are clear that more often than not, the Collaborative Divorce Process leads to an Uncontested or Agreed Divorce.

Why Lackey Law Firm?

For Collaborative Divorce representation in Austin, TX, Alicia Lackey of the Lackey Law Firm, P.C. provides representation that is Prompt. Honest. Personalized. with a focus on sensitivity and professionalism, accompanied with results.

Call now or fill out the Free Case Evaluation form to schedule a free phone consultation so Alicia can help you get started with your journey to a fresh start through Collaborative Divorce.

Lackey Law Firm, P.C. accepts Collaborative Divorce and other Family Law related cases in Fredericksburg, Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Rollingwood, West Lake Hills, The Hills, Spicewood, Dripping Springs, Stonewall, Harper, Luckenbach, Llano, Kingsland, Sunrise Beach, Buchanan Dam, Boerne, Comfort, Fair Oaks Ranch, Oak Hill, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Liberty Hill, Burnet, Bertram, Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Kerrville, Ingram, Johnson City, and Blanco.*

*Main Office is located in Austin Texas. All office locations are staffed by appointment only.