Collaborative Family Law
Family law matters often involve disputes which can be psychologically, emotionally and financially draining for both spouses and their children. Collaborative family practice is a way for you to resolve disputes respectfully without going to court. The practice of collaborative family law began in the 1980’s and has quickly gathered momentum throughout Canada and the United States.
The practice of Collaborative Family Law embraces a paradigm shift from the traditional practice of family law. It engages a process specifically designed to eliminate the bitterness, rivalry, hostility and sense of "winners and losers" that plague traditional matrimonial litigation.
At the start of a Collaborative Family Law matter, both parties and their lawyers sign a contract. Both the spouses and their lawyers commit to working in a collaborative and cooperative manner to arrive at creative and unique solutions to their particular problems. The participation contract also specifies that the parties will not commence court proceedings without first exhausting all avenues for cooperative resolution.
Rather than initiating court proceedings, the collaborative process involves a series of meetings with both lawyers and clients present. Child specialists, counselors and financial planners can be involved in any step of the process as may be necessary. At these meetings the clients control the agenda, with guidance and advice from counsel.
The cost to clients in the Collaborative Family Law process, even when other specialists are involved, can be significantly less than the costs of traditional litigation. The benefits are immeasurable and allow both parties to move forward in a positive way.