Southlake Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Untie the Knot with Dignity – Resolve Family Law Disputes Outside of the Courtroom - Call (817) 477-6756 Today

Attorney Tracey Justice is experienced and is specially trained to practice Collaborative Divorce. While traditional litigation is always an option, at Justice Law Firm, divorcing clients may choose to resolve their legal disputes through the Collaborative Divorce Method.

An Alternative to Traditional Divorce

Collaborative Divorce has become a viable alternative to traditional divorce litigation around the country. Many Texas divorce attorneys are now using it in their family law practices, not only for divorce but for other family law disputes.

In Collaborative Divorce, the parties resolve their differences outside the courtroom in a private and less adversarial setting with the help of specially-trained professionals. This process acknowledges the emotional needs and goals of each spouse. Instead of having to follow a timetable dictated by the court, the parties have the opportunity to schedule meeting times.

When either spouse files for a dissolution of marriage, or a traditional divorce, the process begins with one spouse petitioning the court. The second spouse must answer this petition, and then the long and often heartbreaking divorce process begins. The partners may need to hire attorneys and mental health professionals and involve witnesses, including family members and friends.

With a traditional divorce, parties typically use position-based bargaining. With this strategy, both spouses are likely interested only in their own needs and how the outcome of the divorce will impact their future. In some cases, the partners can’t reach an amicable resolution, so a traditional divorce is the appropriate option. However, the entire process can take months or even years to complete, so many couples want an alternative.

In a collaborative divorce, the goal is to come to a resolution that is best for all parties involved. Both parties are encouraged to be open, honest and understanding. For this process to work, both spouses must agree to cooperate and come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

The thought of a divorce hearing can create an unparalleled level of anxiousness. Collaborative Divorce by its nature is designed to reduce the level of anxiety surrounding a divorce. There are three basic reasons why using collaboration may be right for your situation.

• Informal and Relaxed Setting: with a collaborative divorce, you can avoid the necessity of going to a courtroom.
• Help From Outside Professionals: collaborative divorce allows outside professionals to help with the process. Instead of being called to testify, each will be asked to attend a joint session to offer insightful recommendations.
• Time and Money: When you consent to using collaborative divorce to settle your divorce, the legal paperwork is dramatically reduced, which translates into a reduction in time and money.

Collaborative Divorce vs. Mediation

Many people confuse Mediation with Collaborative Divorce. Mediation is simply a tool that is used during the litigation process in an attempt to settle the case prior to the final trial. With both attorneys present, the professional mediator tries to facilitate a binding agreement between the parties and is often successful. However, the parties are not able to “achieve a divorce” simply by going to mediation.

In Collaborative Divorce, a team of specially-trained professionals handle all aspects of the divorce, from beginning to end. Financial experts, mental health professionals, and attorneys combine their efforts and expertise in order to provide individualized attention and specialized care.

Here are a few more differences between a collaborative divorce and divorce mediation:

• Legal representation. The ability to have your attorney in the room with you while working out your divorce settlement is the main difference between mediation and collaborative divorce. During mediation, you are allowed to consult an attorney, but the attorney cannot accompany you. During a collaborative divorce, you are allowed to have your attorney present.
• The mediator. During mediation, there are three people in the room: the mediator, you and your spouse. If your spouse is belligerent or isn’t willing to cooperate, the process will be fruitless.
• No court proceedings. Finally, before both parties can seek a collaborative divorce, they must each sign a collaborative-participation agreement. One critical aspect of this document is the agreement that neither party will involve the court. If you go through mediation, and it fails, you might need to involve the court to come to a resolution.