All divorcing couples make choices about the way in which they will dissolve their marriage and their financial partnership. In a traditional, court-based divorce, one party sues the other, thus setting in motion a process which pits the parties against each other. This battleground takes a huge emotional toll on the parties, their children, and their families.
Collaborative Law offers divorcing couples a new way of resolving the many issues which accompany the end of a marriage. At its core, Collaborative Law is a non-adversarial process in which the parties and their lawyers, after agreeing not to go to court, negotiate a settlement agreement which meets the needs of both parties. Open communication, sharing of information and creation of shared solutions distinguish the Collaborative process from litigation-based divorce.
Collaborative Law allows divorcing parties to maintain control over their divorce, rather than relinquishing decisions to the court, which often is ill-equipped to address these issues. The process also affords the parties an opportunity to look beyond the pain and anxiety of the present, so that they can plan for the future. For couples with children, Collaborative Law can transcend traditional divorce by prioritizing the children's needs and easing the transition to two households.
For many couples, Collaborative Law provides a refreshing alternative to conventional divorce. The Independent Collaborative Attorneys of Central Pennsylvania are available to assist divorcing couples who want creative and amicable problem-solving.
All ICACP member attorneys are also members of the International
Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
