What is collaborative law?
Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution technique that enables participants to resolve issues in a cooperative manner rather than in an adversarial atmosphere that may involve litigation. Collaborative attorneys assist their clients in problem solving that create solutions and achieve settlements.
How does collaborative law work?
Collaborative law focuses on cooperation between the parties and their attorneys. An important component of collaborative law is the four way meeting. These four way meetings include both lawyers and both spouses working together to solve problems and create solutions that fit the particular needs of the parties. Four way meetings serve as settlement conferences, assisting the parties in facilitating a resolution of their particular case.
What if we can't reach an agreement?
No guarantees regarding settlement can be made to any individual, whether that individual seeks to resolve their matter through collaborative law methods or not. However, the underlying theme of collaborative law is settlement without litigation. The collaborative law method has gained enormous popularity in some parts of the country and is widely becoming used in other states, such as North Carolina. The members of the Wake Collaborative Family Law Group have been trained in the collaborative law process and are committed to working towards the principles of collaborative law. Collaborative attorneys can not represent the parties in court should the collaborative law process fail, thereby further motivating parties to work towards resolution. With the threat of litigation removed from the equation, parties are more apt to negotiate fairly and cooperate with one another.
Is collaborative law expensive?
Collaborative law typically costs much less than a case that has to be litigated.