Divorce Like There's a Tomorrow

What is Collaborative Law?

Because of the long reaching effects of divorce court, our attorneys strongly believe in Collaborative Law, which provides an alternative dispute process for divorcing couples who need strong legal representation, but would like to avoid a lengthy court battle.

Unlike a traditional divorce, collaborative law offers you the option of retaining a team of divorce professionals. This may include:

Nearly everything done is with both attorneys and both parties present, so that there is nothing done in secret. The parties involved are able to talk across the table to their 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. 
 

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.

Handling your divorce using collaborative law is comparable in cost to handling it through 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.

For More Information Visit
The Collaborative Family Law Council of Central Ohio

From our offices in Delaware, we represent clients throughout central Ohio and the north side of Columbus, including the communities of New Albany, Westerville, Worthington, Powell, Dublin, Lewis Center, Shawnee Hills, Hilliard, and Upper Arlington, Marysville; and in Franklin County, Delaware County, Marion County, Morrow County, Union County, and Knox County.