Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is an alternative resolution mechanism for disputes. Collaborative law is often applied in the family law context; however, it has many applications in other areas of law such as commercial and general business litigation, as well as contract disputes.

The essence of collaborative law is that each participant decides at the beginning of the case to sign a contract agreeing to a few basic principles:

• Cooperation — they pledge not to go to court and work towards an agreed upon resolution;
• Respect — they agree to respect each other's highest priorities and work toward a settlement that both find agreeable; and
• Honesty and Openness — they agree not to withhold information from each other and to comply fully with any request for information.

During the collaborative process, the parties work together under the advice of their lawyers, financial specialists, coaches and child specialists. Through a series of discussions, the parties work through issues like property distribution, child and spousal support, and child custody and visitation rights.

The product of the collaborative law process is a Settlement Agreement and a Judgment of Divorce through an uncontested court hearing.

Renee Lafayette is a certified collaborative attorney.

Please contact our office to schedule a consultation on collaborative law alternatives.