Collaborative Divorce Attorney Minnetonka Minneapolis Minnesota MN
Collaborative law is a process which offers divorcing couples the opportunity to resolve their differences with cooperation and respect. Each party is represented by an attorney, whose job is to advise and educate his or her client through the process. Other professionals may also be brought in to help the parties develop settlement options. The goal of all participants is to reach a mutually-acceptable agreement.
The collaborative law process utilizes settlement conferences as the primary setting for discussion of issues. At the initial settlement conference, the parties and their attorneys review and sign a collaborative law participation agreement. This agreement includes a promise by both parties and their attorneys to settle the case without going to court.
Collaborative divorce uses the following principles while working toward settlement:
- honesty (full and complete disclosure of all assets, debts and income)
- satisfying the interests of both parties
- cooperation
- integrity
- professionalism
- dignity
- respect
- candor
The parties determine the agenda for each meeting and decide when the next meeting will take place. The process continues until the parties have reached agreement on all issues. The agreement is then put into writing, signed and submitted to the court. No court appearance is required.
Advantages of collaborative process over traditional divorce include:
- No decisions are made without both parties' consent.
- Settlement conferences replace court appearances.
- Parties have ownership in the agreements reached.
- Parties maintain control of timing, cost and outcome.
- Children benefit from parenting plans focused on their best interests.