Because of the long-term ramifications of litigation, our Ohio divorce attorneys at the Lawrence Law Office strongly believe in collaborative law. This is an alternative dispute process for divorcing couples who need strong legal representation but would like to avoid a lengthy courtroom battle.
For more than two decades, our Delaware, Ohio divorce lawyers have practiced in collaborative law. We are fully prepared to protect your best interests without the financial and emotional costs of litigation. Contact our divorce law firm today to understand if collaborative law is the right solution for you to pursue.
Benefits of Pursuing Collaborative law in Ohio
Unlike mediation, collaborative law allows you to retain a team of divorce professionals. This may include:
- Divorce lawyer: Who can advise you on how to protect your best interests in family law-related matters and works with your spouse's lawyer to construct an agreement.
- Divorce coach: Who uses practical techniques and emotional support to assist you in dealing with your divorce.
- Mental health professional: Who can assist you in developing strategies to deal with the emotional and mental strain of divorce.
- Financial professional: Who can advise you on the short- and long-term financial aspects of your divorce.
In collaborative law, nearly everything occurs with both attorneys and both parties present. Nothing is done in secret. The parties involved are able to talk across the table to their divorce lawyers as well as to the other spouse, and to their spouse's lawyer. Parties are not allowed to threaten litigation or to play games or take advantage of either side.
What is the Difference Between Mediation and Collaborative Law?
In divorce mediation, the parties meet with one neutral person who cannot provide legal advice to either party. The mediator assists the divorcing spouses with reconciling their differences. He or she assists the parties in settling or compromising difficulties. A mediator is only authorized to work toward an agreement, but cannot make a decision on behalf of the parties. Mediation does not always result in a total agreement. Often, agreement on certain issues may be reached through mediation, yet other issues must be referred to a court proceeding. In Ohio, mediators do not prepare paperwork for court, and they cannot appear in court with clients. Parties using mediation to resolve conflicts normally consult with their lawyers outside the mediation process.
With collaborative law, each party has his or her own attorney instead of a neutral mediator. Each party is individually represented by legal counsel throughout the process. Collaborative attorneys can prepare all necessary paperwork for their clients, and attend the required court hearings where the divorce agreement is presented to the domestic courts for approval.
Contact Our Franklin County Collaborative Lawyers
Handling your divorce using collaborative law is comparable to the cost of mediation. A case resolved through collaborative law is almost certainly far less costly than a fully litigated divorce trial, both in terms of money and emotional expense. Contact our Delaware family law firm today to learn how we can protect your best interests throughout the legal process.
