Sylvester Law Firm, PC - Divorce and Family Law
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Demystifying Collaborative Divorce in Chicago

Attorney Patrick Sylvester Collaborative Divorce is a truly different way of achieving an Illinois divorce

This form of divorce was started by a Minnesota attorney in 1990.  Since then,  collaborative divorce has become a nationwide alternative model for  divorcing spouses.
 
Collaborative divorce is designed to help a  divorcing couple............... (i) reach the maximum amount of consensus; (ii) resolve differences without  divorce court battles; (iii) improve their chances of working together as parents; (iv) develop a plan for how disagreements after the divorce will be resolved; and (v) end their marriage with a healthy sense of dignity, peace and hope for the future.

While collaborative divorce is an ideal, positive way for achieving divorce, it is not for every couple...............  

Collaborative divorce will not work in situations where domestic violence is occurring; one or both of the parties have serious mental illness or an alcohol/drug problem; one or both of the parties simply cannot stay committed to the  collaborative divorce process; or one or both of the parties are not willing to be completely honest and open about finances.  Finally,  collaborative divorce only works for individuals who are willing to invest in, and work with: collaborative divorce lawyerscollaborative divorce coaches, a child development specialist, and a neutral financial consultant. 

If collaborative divorce is not possible for any number of reasons,  Mediation might be possible...............  

Mediation seeks to resolve the financial and parenting issues out of court, just like Illinois collaborative divorce

However, mediation does not involve collaborative divorce coaches, a child specialist, and a neutral financial consultant.  Mediation typically involves one  divorce lawyer who advocates for the husband, one  divorce lawyer who advocates for the wife, and a neutral  divorce mediator who seeks to develop consensus between the parties without  divorce court battles. 

Just like Illinois collaborative divorcedivorce mediation seeks to avoid a long  divorce court process during which a trial takes place and then the  divorce court judge makes all the decisions regarding property division, alimony, child custody, child support, and visitation.  Those important issues are decided by the  divorcing couple, who then sign a  Marital Settlement Agreement that is presented to the  divorce court for approval.  If approved by the  divorce court, the  Marital Settlement Agreement becomes a legally binding document. 

Whether you are interested in learning more about Illinois collaborative divorce, mediation, or litigation, we invite you to contact the  North Shore of Chicago divorce and family law attorney of Sylvester Law Firm.   Divorces are challenging no matter which model is used, and you should only work with a  Chicago, Illinois divorce attorney who is skilled at representing  divorcing individuals in all models of divorce, even tough  divorce court battles.

You can reach the Chicago collaborative divorce lawyer of Sylvester Law Firm by calling him at (847) 251 - 2999.  Your calls are always welcome.      

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Address: 1000 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 320, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 Phone: (847) 251-2999