×
wife and husband signing divorce documents

New Jersey Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

In a collaborative divorce, the parties commit to settling their case. To show that commitment, they sign a contract called a Participation Agreement that signifies the commencement of a collaborative divorce. As the case progresses and issues arise, other professionals such as custody and financial experts, are brought in to help resolve the case issue by issue. Five of our family law attorneys are often considered by their peers as leaders in New Jersey Collaborative Divorce: Amy Shimalla, Amy Wechsler, Rita Aquilio, and Lawrence Law Founder, Jeralyn Lawrence. They are frequent lecturers at divorce and family law programs designed to teach other attorneys and collaborative professionals in this area of law. The collaborative approach mitigates fighting and the strain of litigation, while promoting respect and keeping the spouses in control of the divorce process. Contact a collaborative divorce lawyer from Lawrence Law today for effective guidance through the process.

Collaborative Divorce Lawyer | Here to Help You Reach an Equitable Solution

The New Jersey divorce lawyer you choose to handle your collaborative divorce can make a world of difference. Lawrence Law has decades of experience representing clients through this process, and we are here to put that experience to work for you as well.

What is a collaborative divorce?

It is an approach to divorce by using a “team” approach to identify and address the issues to be resolved. The “team” consists of the parties, their collaboratively trained attorneys and other professionals or experts.

How does the process work?

The parties and their attorneys sign a Participation Agreement, which is a contract and states that they will use their best efforts to resolve the matter without court intervention. The attorneys will represent the parties during the collaborative process, during negotiations, in order to reach a settlement. The attorneys agree to withdraw from the case if either spouse decides to file any pleadings other than those needed to obtain an uncontested divorce.

What are the benefits of collaborative divorce?

The benefits of collaborative divorce include it being cost-effective, having an open and transparent exchange of financial documents, and taking a team approach, rather than a one-sided, emotionally draining dynamic. It is also confidential and not open to the public so the parties can protect and ensure their privacy. The meetings also occur at an attorney’s office instead of at the courthouse and occur at a time convenient to all individuals.

Does an attorney need special training to handle a collaborative divorce?

No. However, an attorney should complete sixteen (16) hours of collaborative training, have mediation training (which is forty hours), as well as an annual refresher requirement of four hours.

Besides lawyers, are other professionals part of the collaborative divorce process?

Yes, while each situation is different, teams can be comprised of a financial professional, a divorce coach, and/or a child specialist. Other professionals may include appraisers, mortgage brokers or other vocational experts.

Does a Collaborative Divorce cost less than a traditional divorce or mediation?

It generally costs less than litigation. Litigation is an adversarial process that requires extensive time and resources from both of the parties and the attorneys representing them. In contrast, the collaborative process is one which is confidential and promotes the parties working together in hopes of efficiently and expeditiously resolving all issues amicably between them.

How is Collaborative Divorce Process better for our children?

By its very nature, it is a less adversarial process that promotes the parties working together. This not only transcends the parties resolving issues relative to the divorce proceedings but encourages them to work together to promote the best interests of the minor children involved. The entire philosophy of the collaborative approach is to keep the children at the forefront of the divorce but not in the middle.

Contact Lawrence Law Today

If you think collaborative divorce may be the best option for you, contact a dedicated collaborative divorce lawyer from Lawrence Law today. We are here to help you, every step of the way.

Our Recent Blogs

Read More Blogs

Read More Blogs

Super Lawyers 2024
Jeralyn_Lawrence_PR_AV_250 2022
SL Top 100 1
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers logo
SL Top 50 Women 1
Best Lawyers Lawrence Law new
Expertise badge
NJBIZ Power Law 50
Best Lawyers Best Law Firms 2023 badge
Jeralyn_Lawrence_PR_AV_250 2

The Super Lawyers List is issued by Thompson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found here. Visit here for the selection methodology for Best Lawyers. A description of the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® status selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Website Designed & Managed by