Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law Services on New York
When a married couple has come to the conclusion that separation is the best option for both parties, going to court is not necessarily a given. In fact, divorce or separation can be handled entirely out of court with the right legal help. Divorce mediation and collaborative law are both excellent alternatives to litigation that can help a couple reach an amicable resolution and avoid the costly and stressful process of going to court.
Collaborative law allows the couple to work with their individual lawyers and other family professionals to come to a mutually beneficial agreement that protects their interests and the interests of their children without going to court. If you feel that you can reach an agreement without the need to go to court, the Soren Law Group is ready to help.
Soren Law Group has extensive experience helping couples navigate the divorce case process through mediation and collaborative law. Alternative dispute resolution methods like these can help you avoid the time and expense of going to court, and they can also help protect your privacy. Our team of legal professionals is dedicated to helping our clients reach a fair and equitable resolution that works for both parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Collaborative law is entirely outside the court system and is a process in which divorcing spouses or those considering divorce agree to work together with their attorneys to reach a resolution. Judges are not involved in the collaborative law process. Any conflict between you and your spouse or partner will be resolved through negotiation and compromise rather than through litigation. Communications, negotiations, and all aspects of the collaborative law process are confidential.
The benefits of collaborative law include:
- You and your spouse or partner have more control over the outcome of your case than if you left it up to a judge.
- You can keep the cost of your divorce or separation low since you will not have to go to court.
- You can avoid the stress of going through the court process.
- You can keep information about your divorce or separation confidential since it will not be a public record.
The amount of time it takes to resolve a case through the collaborative law process depends on the cooperation of both parties and their family lawyers. It is typically shorter than going to court. Collaborative divorce law usually takes 4 to 6 settlement meetings to reach an agreement. A client’s participation in the process is also a key factor in how long it takes.
Anyone who is considering divorce or separation should consider using collaborative law. The process is especially beneficial for couples who want to keep the cost and stress of their divorce or separation low and who want to maintain a good relationship with their spouse or partner after the divorce or separation. A professional and amicable divorce or separation is also possible through the collaborative law process.
Some things to consider before using collaborative law include:
- The seriousness of the matter
- The ability to compromise
- The relationship with the other party
- The cost
- The time commitment
Before deciding whether collaborative law is right for you, it is important to consider the severity of the situation and whether you believe both parties are willing to compromise. It is also important to take into account the relationship you have with the other party, as well as the cost and time commitment involved in the process. The solution that is right for one couple may not be right for another, so it is important to weigh all of the factors before making a decision.
The collaborative law process can help you and your spouse or partner resolve your disputes in a number of ways. It can:
- Help you communicate better with each other; communication and understanding are key in the collaborative law process.
- Identify the most important issues to you and your spouse or partner.
- Find creative solutions to your problems; trust and respect are essential in the collaborative law process.
- Preserve relationships, especially if you have children together. The responsibility of parenting goes on long after the divorce or dissolution of the relationship.
- Save time, money, and stress.
Mental health professionals are sometimes used in the collaborative law process to help you and your spouse or partner communicate more effectively. A child specialist may also be used to help you and your spouse or partner resolve any child-related issues.
The Process of Collaborative Law Divorce
Hire an Attorney
Each party will need to hire its own collaborative law attorney. The attorneys will help you and your spouse negotiate an agreement that is in the best interests of both you and your children. A lawyer will represent you and your spouse’s interests and make sure that the process is fair. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as you work through the divorce process.
Create a Team
In addition to attorneys, you and your spouse may also choose to have other experts on your team, such as financial advisors and child specialists. These collaborative professionals can help you come to an agreement that is in your best interests and the best interests of your children.
Sign a Participation Agreement
All parties involved will sign a participation agreement that requires everyone to:
- Work together in good faith to reach an agreement
- Withdraw from the process and attorneys if an agreement is not reached and litigation becomes necessary
- Not engage in any type of legal action during the process
Once the Participation Agreement is in place, the couple will begin meeting with their attorneys and other professionals to work out the details of their divorce or separation. This may include financial professionals, therapists, and child specialists. The goal is to come to an agreement that is fair to both parties and takes into account the needs of any children involved.
Gather Information
You and your attorney will gather information about your assets, debts, incomes, finances, and expenses. This will help you determine what is fair to each party during the negotiation process. From there, you can begin to negotiate the terms of your divorce or separation. Parents will also need to gather information about their children’s needs and what is in their best interests.
Negotiate an Agreement
Once you have gathered all of the necessary information, you and your spouse will begin to negotiate an agreement. With the help of your team, you and your spouse will negotiate an agreement that is fair to both of you and meets your family’s needs. This agreement will include all aspects of your divorce or separation, such as child custody, child support, alimony, property division, and debt division. Once you have reached an agreement, it will be put in writing and signed by both parties.
Finalize the Agreement
Once you have signed the agreement, it will be filed with the court. Once it is approved by the court, it will become a legally binding document. From there, you and your spouse can begin to move on with your lives. Agreements reached through collaborative law are often more efficient and less expensive than going to court. They also tend to be fairer to both parties involved.
If you are considering a divorce or separation and would like to explore the option of collaborative law, contact the Soren Law Group today. Our experienced family law attorneys can help you determine if this is the right option for your situation and guide you through every step of the process.
Areas We Serve
Staten Island Collaborative Law Attorneys With Proven Experience
When you partner with the Soren Law Group, you benefit from working with Collaborative Lawyers who have a proven track record of success working on these cases without heading to court. The team of legal professionals understands the intricacies of modern separations and has strong negotiating skills to put to work for their clients, helping them reach an agreement that keeps their best interests at heart.
If children are involved in the case, their interests and needs are protected at all times. This usually means protecting parental rights for both parties. The Soren Law Group team is passionate about helping families with children come to a beneficial arrangement that keeps the children protected and safe.
Marriage is a big decision, and so is divorce. If you are considering or currently going through a separation, the Soren Law Group can help. We have extensive experience helping divorcing couples come to an agreement outside of court, and we can put our skills to work for you. Having legal counsel you can trust is essential during this time, and we are here to help. Get in touch with our collaborative lawyer in Staten Island today to learn more.
Compassionate Care for Difficult Circumstances
When you are facing a divorce, you are facing an emotionally difficult time. Karen Soren and her team are dedicated to providing her clients with compassionate care. They will take the time to get to know you and provide personalized attention as you go through this challenging time.
Should your case get complicated and no longer be a candidate for collaborative law, rest assured that Attorney Soren and her team have the experience, aggressiveness, and contacts you need for a successful court case. However, in most instances, the court is not necessary when you work with skilled Staten Island collaborative law attorneys.
Don’t face your separation without the right legal help. If you are looking for Staten Island Collaborative Law attorneys, contact the Soren Law Group. We will come alongside and provide the support and legal advice you need to make sound decisions and avoid court during this challenging time.