On behalf of The Law Offices of Mary Ann Beaty, PC posted in Divorce on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.
More and more Dallas residents, as we discussed here on our blog recently, are interested in pursuing out-of-court solutions to family law issues like divorce. One such solution is what we refer to as a collaborative law divorce. And while it has a number of advantages over litigation, it’s important to note that the services of a legal professional are still something the parties will need during a collaborative law divorce.
The end of a marriage is going to bring with it some stress and anxiety. This is only natural, and it’s just as natural for many to overcome these difficult emotions and move on with their lives after a divorce. But particularly when children are involved, there is a particular level of sensitivity to how the divorce will affect them — not just the couple involved.
When divorcing couples are able to maintain a calm, civil discourse and they still have a baseline level of trust in one another, collaborative law may help address this concern. In a collaborative law divorce, each spouse will maintain legal representation, just as is typically the case in a litigated divorce. The difference is that the lawyers are given the primary task of cooperating together to reach a settlement. This generally facilitates a less antagonistic atmosphere and helps minimize negative emotions family members experience.
There are, however, scenarios where collaborative law will not be a feasible option. Situations involving physical or emotional abuse, one or more partners’ abuse of illicit substances, criminal convictions and similar scenarios all may compromise the kind of equal, open, trusting dialogue collaborative law requires. Our Dallas collaborative law page has more information for readers with further questions. Many will also find that it’s worth discussing with a legal representative for specific, personalized advice.
