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 lawyers,
collaborative 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 divorce,
divorce 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 or e-mailing him at
pss@SylvesterLawFirm.com. Your calls and e-mails are always welcome.
