The basics of the collaborative law process

These days, couples around the country and here in Pennsylvania are no longer bound by the traditional divorce model that pits the parties against each other in court, which can often only increase the acrimony between them. One of the alternatives that is gaining popularity with divorcing couples is the collaborative law process. This approach to divorce allows the parties to avoid a contentious, time-consuming and expensive court battle.

In collaborative law, both spouses are represented by their own attorneys, but they share other parties brought in to assist with the process such as counselors, child psychologists and financial analysts. An important aspect of the process is that each party agrees to waive the right to take the case to court. Instead, they are bound by the results achieved through the process.

Each party also agrees to full disclosure regarding all of their liabilities and assets. There is no expectation of confidentiality during the process, and each party must act in good faith during negotiations. All of the issues between the parties such as property division, child custody and child support, among others, are worked out between the parties and their attorneys. The other parties involved are there to answer questions and to provide analyses that will help the parties resolve their issues.

More information regarding this process is available on our website.

Here in Pennsylvania, attorney Maribeth Blessing is considered to be at the forefront of the collaborative law process. She recently took part a four-part podcast series regarding family law, and one of them dealt with this subject in particular. Readers can learn more about what she has to say regarding collaborative law and other family law issues by listening to her podcasts