What to Expect During Collaborative Divorce

The model of end of marriage proceedings defined by bitterness and arguing is so pervasive that it’s easy to overlook better alternatives. Cincinnati attorney John Heilbrun, is one of this area’s most experienced practitioners of Collaborative divorce, an alternative to traditional divorce that stresses the overall benefit of an agreed resolution over bitter and adversarial litigation.

Parties who are interested in a Collaborative divorce proceeding should first plan on consulting divorce attorneys who have been trained in the Collaborative process and who have experience.  Trained collaborative divorce lawyers like Mr. Heilbrun can help create the open, positive environment necessary for honest discussion and negotiation between spouses.

Once the Collaborative Process has begun, things to expect include:

• Both parties abiding by the rules of the Collaborative process until its conclusion, as well as providing full disclosure of all relevant information to the other spouse;
• You, your spouse, your respective attorneys and any other members of the “team”, meeting together to discuss all the issues arising due to the ending of the marriage
• Psychologists or other mental health professionals, as well as financial advisers, might be involved as members of the “team” to provide additional support and resources so you and your spouse can collaborate effectively;
• All disputed matters, including division of assets and debts, alimony, child custody and support arrangements will be discussed with a variety of options to be presented for consideration.

Ultimately, spouses who use the Collaborative divorce process will be in control over the outcome, as opposed to parties who were unable to reach a satisfactory agreement and had to defer to the court to make these important decisions.

To learn more about the Collaborative divorce process and how it might be able to benefit you and your family, please contact The Law Office of John Heilbrun or call 513-321-3940 to schedule an appointment. Mr. Heilbrun welcomes clients throughout the Cincinnati area.