Collaborative Divorce in the Montgomery & Auburn Area

The Montgomery and Auburn divorce lawyers at Singleton & Associates, LLC Attorneys at Law explain what collaborative divorces are and the reasons to choose a collaborative divorce process.

The Collaborative Divorce Option

Collaborative divorce is an option that couples in Alabama may choose in order to reduce the amount of stress, expense and time involved in a standard divorce. Collaborative divorces enable couples to avoid going to court in order to work out any differences with regards to child custody, visitation and support, alimony, division of property and other issues that may prevent the smooth resolution of a divorce proceeding.

How does collaborative divorce work?

1. The parties to the divorce sign an agreement that they will resolve their issues without resorting to litigation.
2. Each spouse retains an attorney to provide advice to him/her during the collaborative process.
3. The attorneys work together throughout Discovery, gathering and disseminating all relevant information.
4. Any issues to be worked through are presented to each party by his/her attorney in advance of the first meeting. All legal concerns are clearly explained and advice on rights is provided.
5. A series of informal meetings are held between the parties and their attorneys, during which any experts deemed useful (accountant, realtor, guardian ad litem, etc.) may be invited in to provide input and suggestions.
6. A final divorce agreement is put together based on the outcome of these meetings, which is then provided to a judge for ratification.

The parties and their attorneys are expected to actively participate during all meetings. The meetings are self-moderated. If the collaborative process falls through and the parties decide they must resort to courtroom litigation after all, the lawyers retained during the collaboration must be dismissed and new representation hired before proceeding with the divorce.

Is collaborative divorce the right choice?

Only you and your spouse can decide if a collaborative divorce would be an effective option given your particular circumstances. Amicable spouses may benefit greatly from such an arrangement. For more information on or assistance with a collaborative divorce proceeding in Montgomery and Auburn, AL, please call Singleton & Associates at 866.604.9720, or submit our quick contact web form.