Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is a new method of dealing with divorces. Under the collaborative law model both parties must agree to utilize this procedure. Each side hires their own attorney. However, the attorneys specifically sign a pledge to work together with the parties to "collaborate" on reaching a settlement.

The parties and attorneys pledge not to go to court and to attempt to work the case out via discussion and free and open exchanges. All parties and counsel also pledge that if a settlement cannot be reached and/or if either party elects to withdraw from the agreeement and go to court, the attorneys cannot represent these parties in court. The purpose of this restriction is to discourage litigation and encourage alternative dispute resolution.