What is collaborative law?

Collaborative law is a process of handling divorce cases in which the divorcing couple agrees to settle their differences out of court. This process was introduced in the state of Illinois in 2003. Collaborative law helps couples avoid the emotional strain and expensive costs of litigation. The process allows them to work together to come to an agreement about matters such as child custody, spousal support, and division of assets. With the assistance of a team of trained professionals, each party has the opportunity to speak and be heard in a safe and respectful environment. The process of collaborative law involves both parties signing a written agreement to work collaboratively to settle the divorce. The agreement includes a commitment to open, honest communication, good faith negotiation, and a promise to reach a resolution outside of court. Each party also retains separate attorneys to represent their own interests and provide legal advice. Another important aspect of the process is the presence of a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or family therapist, who helps the couple manage the emotional aspects of the divorce. The collaborative law process is an increasingly popular way to resolve divorce cases in Illinois due to its ability to provide a more amicable solution without the need for a court hearing. By using this process, couples can come to agreements that are tailored to their particular situation and supported by the advice and guidance of each party’s attorney, mental health professional, and other members of the collaborative law team.

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