Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution process for legal matters.  Collaborative law finds an amicable resolution for legal disputes through cooperation, negotiation, and transparency.  The process allows parties and attorneys to define common goals and problem solve.  The process enables the parties to come to an outcome that is well-reasoned, effective, and both parties have the goals most important to them met.
It can be used in any type of legal case especially in divorce and family law.  As far as family law matters, it can be used for a divorce or current family law problem or for post-divorce (after divorce) issues such as child support modification, parenting issues, obtaining retirement monies, sale of a home, or relocation of a parent.  I have successfully used the collaborative process in elder law, estate and trust matters as well as business and corporate partnerships buyouts, formations and sales.  It can be adapted to any legal matter.
What I especially like about the collaborative process is that outside collaboratively trained professionals such as therapists, financial advisors, appraisers, accountants or doctors can be brought into the inner circle.  They become part of the team and work with the parties and their attorneys to gain information, knowledge, andhelp explore possible different outcomes.  Knowledge is power.  The information gained helps the parties make informed decisions about their future.
The collaborative process is creative, less emotionally damaging, and cost effective.  Litigation takes its toll on the court system, attorneys, and litigants.  It is very true that litigation and court battles (and they are battles) is the sport of “kings.”  A costly litigation can decimate your finances, ruin your retirement, and if this is a case involving a family matter, irrevocably damage your relationships be it your children, family members or business associates.
For couples with children, a divorce or family law litigation can cause havoc on your children’s mental and emotional well-being and have lasting detrimental effects into adulthood.  There is a better way through the collaborative process.
I am a big fan of author Matthew Kelly and he speaks of the importance of collaboration and cooperation in the life process.  He has coined the phrase “holy moments”.  A holy moment is a time you open yourself up and collaborate with God and create something good and beautiful.  I know this is hard to believe especially as you face a personal or legal challenge, but the collaborative process can help you through the situation.
Just think what it would be like to have an acceptable outcome and plan and to then be able to begin a new chapter in y our life.  This is a way of setting yourself up for success rather than failure. If you have a legal matter contact the DEPALO LAW FIRM and let’s explore if the collaborative process is rights for you!