Many dispute resolution options exist when a couple contemplates divorce. Determining the best option and selecting one can be challenging particularly when it is unclear how all of the options differ. This article provides you with ten good reasons for considering a Collaborative Divorce.
1. Agreements not War
Collaborative Divorce is a dispute resolution process that enables spouses to retain control over the outcome by committing to resolve divorce issues outside of court. A Collaborative Divorce involves direct negotiation between the spouses, in joint meetings, with lawyers present. Everyone signs an agreement at the beginning of the case committing to reach a final agreement, even if difficult, and not to go to court to resolve differences. Neither spouse can force the other spouse to settle; the final settlement must be acceptable to both spouses. All the same issues resolved in a traditional divorce are resolved in a Collaborative Divorce including who moves from the marital residence, how parents share time with children, how the financial needs of the children are met, how bills get paid, and how property is divided.
2. Legal Advice
Each spouse has a lawyer who has been trained to handle Collaborative Divorces. Collaborative training emphasizes the need for lawyers to balance advocacy with wise counsel and problem-solving. Everyone must have a lawyer in order to level the playing field and give each client the benefit of expert legal advice throughout the case.
3. Efficient
Clients and their families move from point A to point B in the most time-efficient, cost-efficient way possible under the circumstances. Participants do not rely on the availability of courts or judges to set deadlines or timelines for the case. Collaborative lawyers regularly help clients analyze costs versus possible benefits of various decisions and outcomes.
4. Control
Collaborative clients control the speed of the case, the costs of the case, and the outcome of the case.
5. Parenting, Communication & Financial Advice
Clients have the opportunity (but not the obligation) to work with other, less expensive but more qualified, experts to help them with specific parts of their case. A mental health professional can help improve communication and create the parenting plan. A financial professional can gather financial information, create an inventory of the marital estate, and advise on post-divorce budgets.
6. Creative Solutions
Judges are limited to orders based on the Texas Family Code. Collaborative clients may want outcomes that are not based on the Texas Family Code. Because clients are not relying on judges for answers, clients have the option to choose non-Family Code solutions to the issues in the case that work better for their specific family.
7. Transparency
All relevant information is exchanged voluntarily between the parties and lawyers which eliminates the need for costly formal discovery. Only after everyone is fully informed can negotiations begin.
8. Neutral Experts
Collaborative lawyers have a list of resources to address a myriad of issues that arise in a divorce. If other experts are needed (i.e., appraisers, accountants) only one expert is hired, by agreement, and the expert is neutral. The expert provides their expert opinion to both parties. This is more practical (and cost-effective) than each client hiring their own expert to duel with the other.
9. Interests
At the onset of the case, the lawyers help clients identify their concerns and their most important goals (their “interests”). Interests are what cause a client to take a specific position on a given issue. Instead of haggling over positions (each spouse wants to own the only car), the group focuses on interests (each spouse desires a way to get to/from work).
10. No Surprises
Unilateral action of any kind is discouraged. Joint meetings are governed by an agenda prepared in advance. Clients are not required to discuss any topic they are not prepared to discuss. Clients are provided with a case roadmap so they can easily identify where they are in the process and how their case is progressing.
Learn More
Kris Algert is one of the most experienced Collaborative Family Lawyers in Austin and has been named Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Collaborative Law in the Austin area in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020. She is a Master Credentialed Collaborative Professional by Collaborative Divorce Texas, is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is known for her respectful, constructive problem-solving approach to helping clients move forward with confidence after divorce.
To learn if Collaborative Divorce is the right solution for you, please contact Kris Algert at 512-454-8791
Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of family law and will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you have the information you need to make wise decisions and prepare for the future.
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we strive to deliver clarity about what comes next and confidence that you and your family’s future are more secure. Contact our team and discover how we can help you.
“I help clients look to the future, not the past, approach issues with a solution-oriented mind, and be proactive in order to move forward with confidence.”
Goranson Bain Ausley Partner Curtis Harrison explains the benefits of Collaborative Divorce and how it can help couples achieve their goals of a less invasive divorce.
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