Please note, the collaborative divorce team will vary based on your geographical location thus this information is for general purposes.
Collaborative divorce is focused on creating win-win outcomes achieved through mutual consensus. Couples who elect the collaborative method value maintaining control of the decision-making process. Each party signs a No Court Agreement as a commitment. The agreement is designed to prevent threatening or pursuing litigation; clients agree that their collaborative attorneys are barred from representing clients for litigation. The goal of collaborative is to work together to uncouple- not mindlessly argue while costs skyrocket.
Collaborative cases are able to achieve resolution much quicker than traditional divorce. Cases can be wrapped up within four months. Settlements are more holistic as well as the couple’s divorce goals guide the scope of the divorce team’s work. A financial expert, attorneys (one for each person), child specialist, and divorce coach are available to the family. On top of their unique professional skill set, they are mediators.
Due to the resources presented to the couple, each roadblock can be quickly diffused. The process continues forward due the collaborators and strengthens the divorce environment. Information is freely shared between the former couple. Financial reports are presented in group meetings so each party hears the information at the same time.
The team's roles are as follows
- Family Financial Mediator/ Financial Neutral. Acting as a neutral professional, the financial expert provides the marital data to build the settlement options upon. Using documented financial facts in a Divorce Impact Analysis report, clients know what is marital property. The financial expert also considers each person’s divorce goals and their financial reality. From that information, proposed settlement options are generated and presented to the team. The team holds collaborative conversations until consensus is achieved.
- Divorce Coach. If emotions are running high, a divorce coach may be used to keep the conversation productive. Depends on the client’s needs, there may be a neutral divorce coach or each party can have their own. If the process increases in conflict, the addition of a coach can be helpful to address the conflict quickly.
- Child Specialists. If you have children, a child specialist is used determine the details of the parenting plan. They provide guidance on the child’s needs and how they can be best met in terms of custody and visitation.
- Attorneys. Acting as a advocate, lawyers help their client make sure that every issue is being considered and that two eyes are always on the prize. They coordinate with the other professionals to make sure that each agreement will pass the state's requirements.
If you would like to replace fear with facts, contact hello@mywealthanalytics.com or call 402.430.3092/ 424.218.0227.
This information is for general education purposes; this is not to be considered legal/ tax/ or financial advice.