Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a legal process enabling couples who have decided to separate or end their marriage to work with their lawyers and, on occasion, other family professionals (like guardians for the minor children of the family) in order to avoid the uncertain outcome of court and to achieve a settlement that best meets the specific needs of both parties and their children without the underlying threat of litigation.
The voluntary process is initiated when the couple signs a contract (called the “participation agreement”), binding each other to the process and disqualifying their respective lawyer’s right to represent either one in any future family related litigation. This means that the lawyer you retain to work with you on a collaborative divorce cannot handle your case if it falls apart and a lawsuit for divorce is initiated.
No matter what, in Connecticut, the law regarding a divorce still requires a judge to preside over the divorce. The judge also has to issue a judgment. A collaborative divorce, however, can resolve all the issues prior to the court proceedings and make the court process smoother and less expensive. If you would like to discuss a divorce, whether it be agreed or a battle, we can help. Please contact us for a free initial consultation.