Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

In a collaborative divorce, both parties officially agree not to go to court and to seek a negotiated agreement regarding the terms of their divorce instead. Each side is represented by a collaborative divorce lawyer who can provide legal advice and assist in negotiations and pursuing a just outcome.

A spirit of cooperation is essential, which not only helps both parties save time and expenses but also makes the process less emotionally stressful. Collaborative divorce is also beneficial for any children involved. It can protect them from experiencing a lengthy conflict that often destroys a child’s sense of family and security.

The collaborative process requires both parties to:

• Agree to disclose all relevant financial information and documents
• Refrain from taking advantage of any mistakes by the other side
• Respect each other’s priorities

In addition, the process can involve four-way conferences and negotiation and, if needed, the input of professionals such as accountants and financial planners. When a mutually agreeable resolution is achieved, both parties are more likely to uphold the terms of the agreement and thus avoid the need for spousal or child support enforcement or similar actions.

Here is a brief summary of the main benefits a collaborative divorce offers:

• Private – It is a more private process, which can be especially beneficial for public figures or individuals who own their own business.
• Control – Collaborative divorce allows the divorcing couple to retain control. If either spouse does not like a proposed resolution, they don’t need to accept it. Instead, they can continue negotiating until they reach a compromise that everyone agrees to.
• Emotional benefit – Collaborative divorce has a minimal emotional impact. Litigation can be extremely stressful and often pits spouses against one another, ruining any sort of friendship or civility they might have shared. This can then affect the way they parent, trickling down to harm their children. However, because the collaborative divorce process encourages spouses to work together and remain civil, they have a better chance of coming out of their divorce on good terms. When parents work together, this, in turn, makes the divorce process much less painful for their children and can make it easier for the kids to accept this new change.

Kim is an experienced, top-rated collaborative and contested divorce lawyer that can offer insight on how your unique situation may be impacted by each approach. Considering all of your options is essential when you are facing a life-changing matter like a divorce.

If you are considering mediation or a collaborative divorce in Washington, contact Attorney Kasin for help addressing your divorce in a respectful and efficient manner.

To speak with a lawyer about divorce, separation, custody, or any other family law issue, please contact us online or by phone at 425-900-9779.