Collaborative Family Law
The Advantages of Collaborative Law
The Advantage of Collaborative Family Law
Syracuse attorney Patricia DeRue helps people who are beginning the process of divorce to consider all their options, including the option of a collaborative settlement approach. Collaborative family law offers many distinct advantages:
Cost: While every case is different, it is generally cheaper for the couple to enter mutual negotiation with clearly articulated goals in a supportive environment than it is to take your case to court.
Control: You and your spouse retain much more control over the decision-making process in a collaborative divorce negotiation than if your case is handled in court.
Communications: Open communication in a safe space with the support of trained facilitators will allow you and your spouse to express your needs and goals and gives you new tools for effective problem-solving in the future. If you have children, this will be a valuable exercise in working together – something you’ll need to do as co-parents working through issues of child custody and visitation.
Emotional Tone: The collaborative process works because it maintains an atmosphere of respect. Both sides have the support of an attorney to ensure that the process runs smoothly and that respect is maintained throughout.
Results: The process focuses on problem-solving and solutions, rather than grievances and blame. It has clear goals and it is the job of the two collaborative law attorneys to ensure that both parties stay focused on their goals. The full disclosure of facts and honest sharing of needs and goals can lead to faster resolutions.
Growth: A divorce is the end of an old way of life and the beginning of a new life. How do you want to move into the future? With arguments and bad feelings or with a plan and hope? Couples who engage in the collaborative divorce process tend to feel hopeful and in control of their destiny.
What if it doesn’t work?
Sometimes couples begin a collaborative divorce process and it doesn’t work for them; there may be too many bad feelings, one or both partners may be unable to maintain a respectful attitude, one partner may not be committed to mutual problem solving. Even if your collaborative divorce process does not yield a resolution, it will provide a useful basis for your later court case. Any agreements that were reached can become part of that settlement agreement.
For additional information on collaborative family law and whether it will work for your family, please review the information provided on this Web site and contact Syracuse attorney Patricia DeRue to schedule a initial consultation.
The law office of Patricia L. DeRue serves individuals and families in Syracuse and Onondaga County, Cayuga County, Madison County, Oswego County, and Cortland County including Onondaga, Lysander, Galen, Wampsville, Oswego, Cortland, Auburn, Pompey, Cicero, Salina, Minoa, Van Buren, Manlius, Clay, Sullivan, Montezuma, Constantia, Brookfield, Cazenovia, Elbridge and Skaneateles.
