Cooperation instead of Conflict

• The very nature of litigation pits one party against the other as opponents
• The collaborative law process begins with an agreement that protects the interests of both parties in several ways
• Each party’s attorney will be present at every meeting
• Each party will be provided with the information needed to make  decisions
• Expert assistance will be available for financial, mental health or other issues where appropriate
• Parties have final authority to make decisions regarding the resolutions of issues of custody, support and the distribution of assets/liabilities

Privacy

• Information and outcomes remain private and are not exposed in any court proceeding or public record
• In the litigation process,  private matters are made public
• In the litigation process, Marital Settlement Agreements are sometimes made public
• The collaborative process  takes place in private meetings of the parties and their counsel,  agreements remain confidential

Control

• Parties and their counsel maintain control of the collaborative process
• Parties do not cede control of their outcomes or schedules to the court system
• All decisions in the collaborative law process are made by the parties
• Support payments can be based upon the true needs of the individuals rather than  a statutory formula
• The agreement regarding distribution of assets and liabilities is developed by the parties with full knowledge of the facts and applicable law