What Is Collaborative Practice?
Collaborative practice is a cutting edge approach to divorce that fosters a spirit of cooperation and civility between the divorcing parties and their respective lawyers.
Unlike traditional litigation, where divorce lawyers have financial incentives to keep the opposing parties at war, collaborative divorce values compromise over conflict. The divorce attorneys now have a vested interest in facilitating a productive, respectful negotiation where the needs and concerns of both parties are heard and addressed.
In the evolution of divorce, collaborative practice represents a quantum leap forward. And because of its obvious benefits, it is a fast-growing trend. Compared to traditional divorce litigation, which is limited by a strict legal framework, the collaborative divorce approach is far more open and flexible as well as responsive to the fears and concerns of both parties.
Another key benefit to collaborative divorce is that it tends to be far less expensive and time consuming than litigation-based divorce settlements. But the negotiated settlement is no less legally binding.
New trends in collaborative divorce
A new trend with respect to collaborative divorce is for experienced Hawaii collaborative lawyers like Sara R. Harvey to bring together a team of professionals with unique skills that can support the needs of the couple throughout the divorce.
Since a big part of divorce involves the equitable distribution of property and assets, collaborative lawyers in Hawaii can include financial planners and accountants on the team. A new breed of financial planners specializing in divorce can provide valuable information and insight that guides financial decisions throughout the divorce process.
Not only do they analyze the current financial status of each spouse, the team members can project the impact that different settlement options will have on their future tax obligations and long-term goals such as college savings plans and retirement.
Hawaii collaborative lawyers, such as Attorney Sara R. Harvey, are uniquely qualified to provide representation in divorce negotiations. But if an equitable settlement cannot be reached, the parties must retain new lawyers and start over in the courtroom where a judge will resolve their differences.
If the couple can resolve their differences through collaborative divorce, they are more likely to be satisfied with the terms of the settlement and comply with the conditions. And this spirit of mutual respect and cooperation often carries over beyond the divorce, benefitting continuing relationships with respective family and friends.
Contact our Hawaii family law firm today
If you need a family law attorney, divorce lawyer, or child custody lawyer, The Law Office of Sara R. Harvey can advise you of your rights under Hawaii family law. Attorney Sara R. Harvey provides skillful, experienced representation in the courtroom as well as using collaborative divorce and mediation techniques that foster equitable divorce settlements that are less stressful and costly. Please contact The Law Office of Sara R. Harvey at 866-637-1598 or complete our quick contact web form to arrange for a consultation today.
