Understanding Collaborative Divorce
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In many traditionally litigated divorces, lawyers from each side go to court prepared to exchange angry, hurtful volleys. The results are often unpredictable, costly and time-consuming.
The alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process of collaborative divorce can offer spouses a better way out of marriage. Collaborative divorce is typically more cost-effective and time-efficient, and usually less stressful than traditional litigation. Most important, it enables you and your spouse to shape the outcome of your divorce rather than leaving important decisions to a judge.
Attorney Elaine Ryzak Fraser has over 40 years of family law experience and has completed and received a certificate in Mediation and Conflict Management through the Harvard Law program. At Harris and Fraser, we build an interdisciplinary team of professionals to assist all parties in mutual problem solving throughout the ADR process.
What Are The Benefits Of Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce also represents a divorce process much different for you than for participants in traditionally litigated divorces:
- Collaborative divorce gives you more control over the resolutions of disputes.
- Collaborative divorce enables participants to emerge from the divorce process with their dignity intact.
- Resolutions attained in the collaborative process are more likely to be long-lasting because they are the result of honest, thoughtful negotiations.
- Collaborative divorce is cost-effective.
- Collaborative divorce is time-efficient.
In addition to our attorney Fraser, you will likely engage with financial and mental health professionals trained in this approach. This often minimizes the expense, time and emotional toll associated with traditional litigation while helping you and your former spouse work toward lasting, mutually beneficial resolution of your disputes.
How Does The Collaborative Divorce Process Work?
Collaborative divorce embraces three major principles:
- A pledge not to go to court
- An honest exchange of information by both spouses
- Solutions that take into account the highest priorities of both spouses and all children
The key to collaborative divorce is mutual respect. The parties must commit to negotiating resolutions of their disputes with the help of collaborative attorneys. Negotiated resolutions mean that you and your former spouse retain control of your divorce.
Seeking Alternative Paths To Family Law Resolutions
At Harris and Fraser, we help our clients explore ADR as a means to settling divorce and other family law matters. We offer services in:
These options may help you save time and money. They may also avoid the stress that often accompanies traditional courtroom litigation. To learn more about collaborative law or to schedule a time to meet at our office in Burlingame, California, please contact us today.
Planning Ahead: Collaborative Prenuptial Agreements
A collaborative approach can start before marriage. Some couples use this process to talk about money, property and future plans before conflict begins. From there, each person can ask questions, share concerns and receive legal guidance in a more respectful setting.
A collaborative prenuptial agreement may address homes, savings, debts, income or family assets. It can also help couples discuss what they expect from each other after marriage. Although these talks may feel hard at first, clear terms can reduce fear, confusion and pressure later. This can make future decisions feel more stable.
At Harris and Fraser, our attorney will help you handle this process with care. If you want to protect property, respect each other’s goals and begin marriage with more trust, this approach may help you plan with honesty and clarity before you take the next step together.
Contact Us For More Information
Harris and Fraser is dedicated to providing superior customer service and sound legal advice to clients who require assistance with family law matters, including divorce, child custody and child support. Contact our attorney online or call 650-389-9036 to schedule a time to discuss the unique facts of your case.