Collaborative divorce is a relatively new approach to divorce proceedings. In a Collaborative divorce, spouses agree that they are going to end their marriage, and agree to work together to reach an agreement that will work best for the family. In Collaborative divorce, the spouses, with their Collaborative divorce lawyers and other professionals, work together to find the right solution for them, their children, and their future lives apart. Collaborative divorce is a positive alternative to the traditional adversarial model for divorce. This page can help you understand the legal framework of Collaborative divorce, but the best way to learn whether this might be a good option for you is to talk to a Collaborative divorce attorney in person. Please call (513) 321-3940 or email the Law Office of John Heilbrun.
Understanding Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a special process designed to help married couples reach agreement on the issues involved in the ending of their marriage. To proceed with a Collaborative divorce, each spouse should hire an attorney trained to practice Collaborative Law. Both parties must also sign a contract that says they will abide by the rules of the process, including full disclosure. The lawyers, spouses and other professionals who become part of the team, will work together to resolve the important questions in a divorce, including:
- Child custody/allocation of parental rights and responsibilities
- Child support
- Property and debt division
- Spousal support (alimony)
The focus is on resolving these issues in an open, safe, cooperative environment so that everyone gets the best possible resolution. Additional specialists, such as a family relations specialist or a financial advisor, may also be brought in to be part of the team..
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce
One important benefit of collaborative divorce is its ability to defuse conflict. The traditional adversarial model of divorce proceedings can create an environment that escalates conflict. Even if parties are able to resolve disputes without going to court, pain and unresolved antagonism from the process can linger, leading to post-decree problems. The benefit to future cooperation is especially important if you and your spouse have children. Lingering conflict can adversely affect your children and, ultimately, you. In a Collaborative divorce, you remain in control of the important decisions that must be made in ending your marriage, rather than turning that responsibility over to the Court. By allowing a frank and open conversation about what truly matters to each spouse, Collaborative divorce can also lead to an agreement of all the issues involved in ending a marriage that results in each spouse feeling satisfied with the resolution. You are likely seeking divorce to end the pain and frustration you experience in your marriage. Don’t replace it with a painful and frustrating divorce. The Collaborative divorce process will hopefully enable you to work with your spouse for a positive and final resolution.
Collaborative Divorce Lawyer John Heilbrun
Few attorneys have more training or experience in the area of Collaborative Law as does John L. Heilbrun. Since 2001, John has been helping couples realize a more satisfactory result through the Collaborative process. He is a member of a very active Collaborative Law group in Cincinnati that meets monthly to discuss situations that arise in the Collaborative process in order to better assist couples who use Collaborative divorce to bring about an end to their marriage. John participates in yearly training on Collaborative divorce to improve his skills and techniques to better help his clients resolve the complex problems that arise when a marriage ends. John Heilbrun has been practicing law in the Cincinnati area for more than 35 years, and for most of that time he has focused his practice on domestic relations. He knows the judges, magistrates, and procedures in all the area courts and can help you navigate smoothly through your divorce. To talk to our Collaborative divorce attorney, please contact the Law Office of John Heilbrun and schedule a consultation at our Blue Ash office.