What Is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative law is the “invention” of Minneapolis attorney Stu Webb, who in 1990 walked out of the courthouse and declared that from then on he would seek to resolve family law cases peacefully and cooperatively. His idea was radical at the time: working with another lawyer toward settlement with a couple who agreed not to go to court. Stu’s method was successful, and he shared it with lawyers throughout the country. This method evolved into Collaborative Divorce. Since then, thousands of local divorce attorneys and families worldwide have discovered that it is possible to separate and divorce with dignity, respect, and privacy, while using resources in the case of bad break ups or injuries.

Collaborative law principles require that the four people involved in the process (the couple and their attorneys) sign a pledge to:

* share information openly,
* participate in good faith
* allow the attorneys to withdraw if they are unable to reach an agreement after four or five meetings.

This pledge is called the “Participation Agreement.”

How It Works

The couple will attend a brief orientation meeting to learn about the process presented by experts from our office. Once they decide to go forward, they set up the first “four way” meeting.

At the first “four way” meeting, the couple shares all important financial information, including pay stubs, income tax returns, deeds and deeds of trust, financial account statements, and credit card statements. At subsequent meetings, Separating Together attorneys help guide the couple through a series of conversations about separation (if they are still living together), the children, cash flow,  property and debt.

The goal is to reach cooperative solutions that take into account all points of view and that help put the puzzle pieces together.

Why Should We Consider Collaborative Law?

Separating Together attorneys are all trained in collaborative law and, like Stu, have turned their backs on litigation, believing that the courtroom process is financially and emotionally draining, time consuming, and does long-term damage to children and relationships.

The advantages of collaborative law include privacy, control over the outcome, less emotional turmoil, lower costs, and the realization that divorce doesn’t have to bankrupt you or turn you into someone you don’t recognize, the use of our resources really help families work through separation. Instead, you can proceed to build a new life with your dignity and self-respect intact, as well as your financial assets.

Call us today to see how we can help.