Philadelphia Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
Many people presume that divorce involves a drawn-out battle and numerous trips to the courthouse, but there are other options for dissolving your marriage. Collaborative divorce is an alternative under Pennsylvania law, and there are numerous advantages to go through the process. Parties maintain more control over the proceedings, rather than applying rigid state statutes on divorce. You can craft a solution that supports a positive outcome for both sides.
However, collaborative divorce does not suit every situation. Plus, though compromise is the spirit of the process, you still have important rights to protect. The Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane can guide you in making informed decisions about how to handle divorce, so please contact us to schedule a consultation. A Philadelphia collaborative divorce lawyer can offer details, and some background information is useful.
What You Can Resolve Through the Collaborative Process
The primary end goal is termination of the marital relationship, but there are also financial and legal matters that you must attend to when going through collaborative divorce. You can address, negotiate, and resolve:
- Asset division, including classification of property and distribution between the parties;
- Spousal support to reduce the financial disparities between a higher and lower earning spouse; and,
- Issues related to minor children, such as custody, visitation, and support.
Aside from having control over the outcome, there are additional advantages of collaborative divorce. Parties enjoy a quicker time to resolution since they do not have to go to court, which also reduces fees. Parents who must interact as they raise children together benefit from increased cooperation since they both participated in developing the shared custody arrangement.
Plus, overall, you gain the advantage of certainty. The result of a contested hearing might not be what you expect.
Overview of Collaborative Divorce
Though the result is the same in terms of ending the marriage and resolving divorce issues, the collaborative process works differently because it is removed from the courtroom. You can count on a Pennsylvania collaborative divorce attorney for guidance as we proceed through the following steps:
The process begins when the parties sign a collaborative law participation agreement, indicating their intent to work through divorce issues through collaboration. The document identifies their lawyers, and it must include a statement that representation is limited to the case at hand.
The agreement may also contain provisions on confidentiality, participation by non-parties, retention of experts, and voluntary disclosures.
The parties, with assistance from counsel, work to reach an agreement on property division, alimony, and care for minor children. Discussions will involve:
o Identifying specific issues where agreement is sought;
o Proposals and discussions on how to handle the issue;
o Exchanging information related to factual and legal matters; and,
o Negotiations to resolve each divorce issue.
If the parties compromise on all matters and meet the requirements stated in the collaborative law participation agreement, the process concludes. There are additional tasks to handle in terms of legal filings, and the Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane will ensure compliance with all relevant laws.
The result of collaborative divorce is termination of the marriage, but keep in mind that the process also creates legally binding rights and obligations. These are enforceable in court.
Discuss Options with a Philadelphia Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Today
The benefits of handling your divorce outside the courtroom are attractive, but it is important to make sure the process is the right fit for your needs and goals. For more information, please contact the Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane to set up an initial consultation with a Philadelphia collaborative divorce lawyer. We can provide additional details after learning more about your situation.
