Collaborative Family Law
“Emphasis on collaboration and problem solving can help sooth strained relationships, improve communication, and enhance prospects for positive future interaction.”
Legal disputes within families and spouses is never a simple process. The traditional adversarial process is one method that typically increases the tension and stress amongst parents and spouses. An alternative to this lengthy and expensive process is collaborative divorce.
The collaborative family law process is governed by the North Carolina General Statutes. An agreement is signed by both parties and their trained attorneys at the beginning of the collaborative process. All parties and their attorneys agree to ‘lay it all out on the table’ during this process and cutting out the sneaky and backhanded tactics that are often used in traditional litigation. If either party chooses to go leave the collaborative process and to Court, each attorney must withdraw from further representation and both parties must obtain new attorneys.
While this process removes the adversarial aspect of traditional litigation, the collaborative law process allows participants to save money from litigation expenses such as discovery, trial preparation, and court appearances. This process also allows participants to control the pace at which they resolve their legal issues and can often save you time.
While there are many positives to the collaborative process, it may not be for everyone. If there has been a history of abuse or domestic violence, this may not best meet your legal needs. We can discuss the various options during an initial consultation to figure out the best possible option for you and your family.