What is Collaborative Practice?

Collaborative Practice has been around since the late 1980s when Stuart Webb, a family law attorney in Minnesota, developed the model as a way to resolve disputes respectfully without going to court.   It is not about who wins and who loses, instead it is about what works.

How the Collaborative Process Works

• Step 1:  Both spouses retain attorneys trained in collaborative law. 

• Step 2:  Based on the situation, other collaborative professionals may be added to the team to gather relevant information and address specific needs, such as financial, parenting, and emotional issues.

• Step 3:  Spouses meet individually with their attorneys and then come together through a series of "four-way meetings" to define goals, identify needs, work out differences, and reach solutions.

• Step 4:  With the assistance of their attorneys, both spouses reach agreements that are acceptable to each of them.

• Step 5:  The attorneys prepare the legally-binding documents and complete the process in court.

The Benefits of Divorcing the Collaborative Way

The divorcing spouses remain in control of the process. The divorcing couple makes the decisions that will impact their future, rather than a judge or their respective attorneys.

Children come first. Children’s needs are given top priority in the process in order to minimize the impact of pending changes in the family structure.

The process is focused on finding solutions that work for all parties. There are no winners or losers in this process. Instead, it is about solving problems so that the final agreements reached consider each family member’s needs, concerns and goals.

Discussions remain confidential. What is discussed during the four-way meetings, with attorneys and any other advisors, is kept private.

The foundation is laid for the divorcing couple to have a healthy post-divorce relationship. These relationships are built on effective communication strategies, a willingness to cooperate, respect for each other and ones’ self, and an ability to be compassionate.

 

 

 

With offices in Downers Grove, Theresa Beran Kulat & Associates serves clients thoughout the Chicagoland region, including DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County, Will County, and Lake County, as well as the communities of Batavia, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Lemont, Lisle, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oak Lawn, Palos Park, Palos Hills, Oak Park, St. Charles, Western Springs, Warrenville, Wheaton, and Woodridge.