Dallas Collaborative Law Attorneys
Using Negotiation to Help You Obtain an Optimal Outcome
Going through a divorce can be a confusing and challenging time. While many divorces involve two parties disagreeing about numerous issues, not all reach that level. A collaborative divorce is a straightforward option for couples prepared to negotiate the terms of their divorce with little to no disagreement.
Our Dallas collaborative divorce lawyers will advocate for your rights and best interests throughout your legal dispute, helping you obtain a more favorable outcome in your case.
To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (214) 225-6766.
What Is Collaborative Law?
When couples file for a divorce, they have two options:
- File for an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, the couple drafts a divorce agreement containing agreed-upon terms for divorce-related processes such as property division, custody, alimony, etc. The judge then approves the agreement and legalizes the divorce.
- File for a contested divorce. In a contested divorce, the couple attends court and presents their cases. The court then examines the evidence and decides how to handle divorce-related procedures on the couple's behalf.
Many couples would rather reach an agreement than leave their divorce in the court's hands. Additionally, contested divorces can be drawn-out, expensive affairs. For these reasons, lawyers and courts often encourage couples to meet the conditions for an uncontested divorce.
When couples are at an impasse, they can choose to use a method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to negotiate with each other, rather than filing for a contested divorce with the court.
Collaborative law is one such form of ADR.
During a collaborative divorce, both parties acquire an attorney. The parties and their attorneys then meet with each other across various sessions to negotiate terms for divorce-related processes both parties find acceptable. Ideally, at the end of the collaborative divorce process, the parties will meet the requirements to file for an uncontested divorce.
Using collaborative divorce enables parties to save time, stress, and money on their divorce by working with one another out of court, instead of battling each other in the courtroom. That makes it a great option for individuals who:
- Want to save money on their divorce;
- Want to speed up the divorce process;
- Don't want to go through a contested divorce in court;
- Would like to remain amicable with their soon-to-be-ex, and;
- Are looking for a form of ADR that's a bit more legally protective or thorough than mediation.
If engaging in a litigated divorce isn't your favored approach, then collaborative divorce might be the right choice for you. We understand that going through a divorce is one of the most challenging things you could ever face. Our attorneys can review your situation in-depth, explain more about collaborative divorce and help you decide whether it is right for you.
To schedule a consultation with our Dallas collaborative law attorneys or learn more about how we can help you move forward with your case, contact us online or via phone at (214) 225-6766.