Collaborative law is a non-adversarial approach to resolving family issues. Using this approach, a pledge is made in writing by you and your attorneys not to go to court.

Collaborative law is also a commitment to reach a mutually acceptable legal agreement with your spouse/partner, using the guidance and protections of both participants having their own attorneys to help with this process. In addition, you may choose to use any other collaborative professionals who may be necessary to assist in reaching a comprehensive settlement.

This non-adversarial approach allows you and your spouse/partner to engage in a respectful, open, and transparent process that leads to a mutual out-of-court settlement that you decide for yourselves, rather than giving that power to a judge who does not know you or your family.

Collaborative law also provides a level of privacy that otherwise would not exist if you were to engage in the conventional litigation in a public forum. In addition, a collaborative resolution eases the emotional strains of a breakup and protects the well-being of children.

The collaborative law model requires a mental shift away from litigation to settling divorce, custody, or support matters with transparency and cooperation. Facilitators trained according to standards from the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals in the collaborative law model include attorneys and mediators, child specialists, and financial advisors.

These professionals work together with you and your attorneys by way of referrals and as consultants to facilitate the collaborative divorce process. The collaborative law model is a method for holding on to a respectful approach to legally ending a long-term commitment, thus enabling you to move on with your life with civility.

At Stover McGlaughlin, attorney Tonia Torquato is a member of The Central Counties Collaborative Law Professionals and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and invites you to explore this amicable and creative alternative approach to resolving your family law matters.

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