Is A Collaborative Law Divorce Right For You?
Divorce is almost always a difficult transition for couples and families. Collaborative law divorces, however, allow couples to control costs, outcomes and frequent animosity between family members. Collaborative law provides a more conciliatory, less fraught method for dissolving a marriage.
If you believe a collaborative divorce may be right for your situation, let our attorney at The Haston Law Firm, P.C., in Houston, educate you about your alternative options and guide you to the most effective resolution for your unique circumstances. Attorney Craig Haston has helped numerous Houston families go through collaborative divorce with dignity and respect.
More About The Collaborative Divorce Process In Texas
The collaborative law divorce process is a solution-oriented approach, which helps couples communicate, allowing for a friendly divorce. Instead of focusing on blame, parties and professionals can focus on solutions that ideally transition them and their loved ones.
If there are children, it is possible to bring in a therapist to assist with the collaborative process. Financially speaking, all data can be viewed in an agreed-upon and usable format so there is a greater degree of clarity, transparency and ease with which issues can be resolved.
Unlike traditional litigation where a judge makes final decisions, collaborative divorce keeps control in your hands. You and your spouse work together with your respective attorneys to negotiate terms that work for both parties. This approach often leads to more creative solutions tailored to your family’s specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all court order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collaborative Law
Collaborative divorce law is somewhat unique among the methods available to your for negotiating and settling your dissolution. And because it is so unique, it’s natural to have so many questions and we want to get you answers. Many of our clients often start with these questions:
What actually is collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a method for reaching an amicable divorce that sees all of the involved professionals – attorneys, accountants and whoever else works on the divorce – sign an agreement. And that subject of that agreement is simple: if they fail, they cannot continue working on the case.
The goal is to remove the temptation to create chaos in a divorce. This means that all parties, from those seeking to end the marriage, to the professionals who advise and represent must be on their best behavior.
In addition, a collaborative divorce is a private proceeding, so it can happen faster and the results are not open to the public. It provides ample opportunity to secure an outcome that works best for each side.
Why collaborative divorce over litigation?
While litigation is necessary for some situations, a collaborative divorce may allow you to:
- Control your own divorce process and outcome
- Civilly, respectfully and creatively end your marriage
- Recognize and protect emotional and financial well-being
- Protect children from the litigation process
- Responsibly handle conflict with integrity
Divorce litigation is known to get out of hand and be disruptive quickly. These types of cases can and will eat up financial assets and create tension.
Do I need a lawyer for collaborative divorce?
Technically, you do not need an attorney, but that would be ceding a considerable advantage to the other side. Even though all sides must sign a participation agreement and work in good faith, not having an attorney negotiating your divorce, even in a collaborative law process, is risky. Your lawyer’s job is to protect your interests and nothing else. And when it comes to higher assets and divorce negotiation, an attorney’s commitment to your best interests makes all the difference in the world.
Skill Legal Guidance In Houston And The Surrounding Areas
Our team at The Haston Law Firm, P.C., is ready to help you efficiently and effectively transition using collaborative divorce methods (including mediation) if it is right for your family. We can help identify the shared needs and interests of all parties while helping you identify and prioritize what is most important to you.
To schedule a consultation in North Houston with our collaborative divorce lawyer Craig Haston, send us an email or call us locally at 281-653-7748.