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Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative Divorce is a non-adversarial process in which you and your spouse each hire a specially trained collaborative divorce attorney to represent you and negotiate an agreement. Both parties make a pledge that the attorneys will withdraw if an agreement cannot be reached. Once the collaborative divorce starts, the lawyers are legally disqualified from representing you and your spouse in a contested legal proceeding.
Collaborative Divorce protects privacy and confidentiality and allows for an agreement without court intervention. Although the process is much gentler and well received by those who embrace it, the divorcing parties must be willing to work honestly, openly, and in good faith to arrive at a fair resolution without court involvement.
This process encourages creative problem solving, win-win negotiations, and resolutions designed to meet the needs of all members of the family for a long time to come. Therefore, reaching an equitable agreement often requires a team approach, with input from financial advisors and mental health professionals as well as life coaches and child specialists. The goal of the experts is to educate the parties and explore settlement options to meet the long-term needs of both parties and their children.
For this reason, some couples need a lot of time to complete the process, whereas others will reach solutions in a few meetings. Scheduled meetings with a firm agenda help the couple to conclude the process more quickly. Because there are more professionals involved, this process can be more expensive than mediation.
The key ingredient of Collaborative Divorce is that the negotiation between the parties takes place in four-way meetings where both sides and their attorneys are present. The lawyers, who have training similar to mediators, work with you as their client and one another to assure a balanced process that’s active and productive. When there is agreement, a document is drafted by the lawyers, and reviewed and edited by you and your spouse until everyone is satisfied.
Each party is represented by a lawyer trained in collaborative divorce, whose representation terminates if the agreement cannot be settled and moves to court. It offers you the protection and support of your own lawyer without handing control over to the court.
Divorce is not an easy process, and sometimes a couple will benefit from the assistance of divorce coaches, financial planners or child psychologists. Collaborative divorce can bring supportive professionals to the bargaining table to help reach an equitable agreement, taking the needs of everyone in the family into account.
Solutions and agreements are reached by sharing information. It prioritizes planning for a peaceful future by minimizing conflict with your spouse. Even though there is a compromise on both sides, the final agreement is something you can both accept.
The couple signs a collaborative participation agreement describing the nature and scope of the matter and voluntarily discloses all relevant information. Disputes are resolved respectfully based on the ethical behavior of both parties. Although a divorce is never pleasant, you can divorce with dignity.
Attorneys from the McConnell Family Law Group practice throughout Connecticut, covering: Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, Westport, Wilton, West Hartford, Simsbury, Avon, Farmington, Glastonbury, New Haven, North Haven, Guilford, Madison and surrounding areas. To learn more about Collaborative Divorce or to schedule an appointment with an attorney, contact us today by calling one of our offices.
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Our firm understands your children are your greatest assets and that it is in their best interests to experience minimal stress and anguish during your divorce. Neutral third-party professionals are brought into the collaborative divorce process to provide opinions on best practices; one of these professionals is often a child psychologist who can advise you and your spouse on ways to help your children along in the process. Additionally, the child specialist works with each parent and the team to help create the best possible parenting plan. A Collaborative divorce places a premium on the overall wellbeing of your children.
Collaborative Divorce is a non-adversarial process in which you and your spouse each hire a specially trained collaborative divorce attorney to represent you and negotiate an agreement.
Collaborative Divorce protects privacy and confidentiality and allows for an agreement without court intervention. Although the process is much gentler and well received by those who embrace it, the divorcing parties must be willing to work honestly, openly, and in good faith to arrive at a fair resolution without court involvement. Both parties make a pledge that the attorneys will withdraw if an agreement cannot be reached. Once the collaborative divorce starts, the lawyers are legally disqualified from representing you and your spouse in a contested legal proceeding.
In general, because there are more professionals involved, this process can be more expensive than mediation, but it is frequently less expensive than the litigation model – particularly those that involve court appearances.
Collaborative divorce avoids contentious court battles. It bears repeating that divorce does not have to devolve into bitter contentious matches in court. Such actions can exacerbate the pain, heartache, and stress commonly associated with divorce. The overall tone and attitude of parties engaged in collaboration are markedly different from a contested divorce, which almost always paves the way for a healthier future
The key ingredient of Collaborative Divorce is that the negotiation between the parties takes place in four-way meetings where both sides and their attorneys are present. The lawyers, who have training similar to mediators, work with you as their client and one another to assure a balanced process that’s active and productive. This process encourages creative problem solving and resolutions designed to meet the needs of all members of the family for a long time to come. Therefore, reaching an equitable agreement often requires a team approach, with input from financial advisors and/or mental health professionals as well as child specialists and/or life coaches. The goal of the experts is to educate the parties and explore settlement options to meet the long-term needs of both parties and their children. The make-up of the team is tailored to each case in the context of a cost/benefit analysis with the clients having the final decision. Many cases only have one additional expert (e.g. financial neutral or child psychologist) while others may have several. When there is agreement, a document is drafted by the lawyers, and reviewed and edited by you and your spouse until everyone is satisfied.
Some couples need a lot of time to complete the process, whereas others will reach solutions in a few meetings. Scheduled meetings with a firm agenda help the couple to conclude the process more quickly. On average the Collaborative process lasts about six months, which is about the same as mediation and less than the litigation model. That said, you may experience less or more depending upon a variety of factors that may or may not be present in your particular case.
The main difference between collaborative divorce and litigation is that in a collaborative divorce, both spouses (and their attorneys) sign an agreement that they will forego court proceedings. This step memorializes and incentivizes the couple’s goal to dissolve their marriage with a practical, non-adversarial approach. Disputes are resolved respectfully based on the ethical behavior of both parties. Although divorce is never pleasant, you can divorce with dignity.
While mediation is – on average – the least expensive approach it isn’t for everyone. With the Collaborative model, each party has their attorney with them to assist in discussions, negotiations, and problem-solving. Many people are more comfortable with, or better served by having an attorney more engaged as compared to mediation.
Can you explain how collaborative law differs from traditional divorce law in Connecticut?
What does the process of a collaborative divorce in CT look like?
In my Connecticut divorce case, how will the collaborative law approach help me and my spouse avoid court?
Could you provide some examples of Connecticut divorces you’ve handled using the collaborative divorce method?
How does Connecticut’s collaborative divorce law deal with issues of child custody and alimony?
What are the benefits of using collaborative divorce instead of divorce mediation in Connecticut?
How does your law firm facilitate the process of a collaborative divorce in CT?
When divorcing in Connecticut, how can collaborative law help in asset division?
What are the qualifications and experience of your attorneys in handling collaborative divorce cases in Connecticut?
How does a collaborative divorce CT differ from a typical court divorce case?
In a Connecticut collaborative divorce, how can lawyers ensure a fair division of marital property?
How does your law firm handle situations when the collaborative divorce process fails and we have to go to court?
When should a divorcing couple in Connecticut consider opting for a collaborative divorce instead of traditional litigation?
Can you describe your experience as a lawyer in dealing with Connecticut divorce laws specifically about collaborative divorces?
What role does arbitration play in the process of collaborative divorces in Connecticut?
Why should we choose your law firm to handle our collaborative divorce in Connecticut?
How can I, as a spouse in a Connecticut divorce case, prepare for the collaborative law process?
When dealing with Connecticut’s divorce law, what are the advantages of the collaborative divorce CT over traditional divorce litigation?
Can you provide any testimonials from clients whose Connecticut divorces were resolved through the collaborative law process at your firm?
How do Connecticut’s laws and courts view the collaborative divorce process compared to traditional divorce proceedings?
What is the primary role of a collaborative divorce lawyer in Connecticut?
How does the divorce process differ between traditional divorce cases and collaborative divorces?
Can collaborative law attorneys represent both parties in a divorce, or should each spouse have their own lawyer?
How does the application of family law differ in a collaborative divorce compared to a traditional divorce?
What are the benefits of using collaborative lawyers over traditional divorce lawyers in Connecticut?
What strategies do collaborative divorce attorneys use to avoid taking a divorce to court?
How can collaborative law help preserve the marriage relationship for the sake of co-parenting post-divorce?
How does a family law attorney navigate the issues of co-parenting during a collaborative divorce?
Can family attorneys specializing in collaborative family law also handle arbitration if needed?
How does divorce collaborative process work in the context of Connecticut laws?
What makes the collaborative process different from other divorce cases?
Could you explain the role of collaborative law attorneys in ensuring a smooth collaborative divorce?
Is the collaborative law approach suitable for all marriages, or are there specific situations where it is particularly beneficial?
How commonly are attorneys versed in collaborative law found in Connecticut?
What does it mean to divorce collaboratively and how is it different from other forms of divorce?
How does a collaborative divorce lawyer approach the difficulties of co-parenting during and after a divorce?
What is the role of a law firm specializing in collaborative divorces in Connecticut?
How do divorce law and collaborative law interplay in a collaborative divorce scenario?
How do collaborative divorce attorneys ensure that the interests of the entire family are considered in the divorce process?
Are there specific laws that apply to divorce collaborative process in Connecticut that potential clients should be aware of?
How is an attorney’s role in a divorce law case different when it’s a collaborative divorce compared to a traditional one in Connecticut?
How can a divorce attorney help handle the complexities of divorce law during a collaborative divorce process?
In what ways can family attorneys assist in easing the collaborative divorce process in Connecticut?
How does a divorce attorney balance between divorce law and collaborative law principles in a collaborative divorce case?
As a lawyer specializing in collaborative divorce, what unique skills do you bring to the table?
How do Connecticut divorce laws differ from those in other states?
Can you explain the role of attorneys in a collaborative divorce process?
How does the divorce law in Connecticut handle issues related to co-parenting?
In terms of law, what is the difference between a traditional divorce and a collaborative divorce?
Can you explain the role of collaborative divorce attorneys in divorce mediation?
How do divorce lawyers and family law attorneys collaborate in the process of a divorce?
How does the collaborative law approach help in preserving the marriage relationship for the benefit of children?
Why would someone in Connecticut choose a collaborative divorce lawyer instead of a regular divorce attorney?
How do Connecticut’s family attorneys work together with divorce lawyers in a collaborative divorce?
How does family law in Connecticut (CT) deal with the division of assets during a divorce?
What should someone expect when divorcing using the collaborative law process in Connecticut?
How do family law attorneys help facilitate divorce mediation in a collaborative divorce?
Can you explain the role of collaborative divorce attorneys in the co-parenting plan development?
How do lawyers and attorneys work together in a collaborative divorce to ensure the best outcome for all parties involved?
What are the benefits of hiring a collaborative divorce attorney over a traditional divorce attorney for Connecticut divorces?
What kind of support can a family law attorney provide during the collaborative divorce process?
How do divorce lawyers in CT approach the topic of co-parenting in collaborative law discussions?
How are Connecticut’s divorce laws applied in a collaborative divorce?
How do collaborative divorce attorneys help maintain the family structure post-divorce?
Office Locations & Contact Information
Hartford
638 Prospect Ave., Hartford, CT 06105
intake@mcconnellfamilylaw.com
Tel: (860) 266-1166
New Canaan
71 Elm St. #201, New Canaan, CT 06840
intake@mcconnellfamilylaw.com
Tel: (203) 344-7007
New Haven
157 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
intake@mcconnellfamilylaw.com
Tel: (203) 344-7762
Greenwich
500 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
intake@mcconnellfamilylaw.com
Tel: (203) 541-5520
Groton, CT
500 Bridge St, Groton, CT 06340
intake@mcconnellfamilylaw.com
Tel: (860) 248-7261
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