Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative-Divorce-Hugh-ODonnell

Collaborative Divorce

In collaborative divorce, each spouse has an attorney who helps the parties reach an agreement, rather than engage in an adversarial process. In some cases, a mental health professional and/or financial planner are utilized to reduce the costs and address all the needs of the parties.

What Is The Collaborative Process?

A collaborative process divorce involves each spouse securing legal representation. The spouses and their attorneys then enter into an agreement to work together to resolve all of the issues of the divorce, including child custody, child support, spousal support and property division questions.

An Interdisciplinary Approach To Divorce

An additional benefit of the collaborative approach to divorce is its interdisciplinary nature. We bring in other professionals such as financial planners to assist with the financial aspects of the divorce. We can also utilize a divorce coach or mental health professional who can assist in reducing stress and improving the efficiency of communication.

Brought the Collaborative Divorce Process to the State of Missouri and Kansas City Area

I helped introduce the benefits of collaborative divorce to Missouri in 2001. In the time since, I have conducted numerous advanced trainings for other attorneys who wanted to learn more about the process and how their family law clients could be helped by it.

How Collaborative Divorce Can Help When Children Are Part Of The Equation.

I know the challenges that people face when it is time to divorce, and I know the good that collaborative divorce can do for people. Keeping decision-making power in their own hands can give people a degree of control over their lives when things may seem out of control. Further, the collaborative process is especially well-suited to divorces with children as it helps parents begin to work together. This can be incredibly important to the well-being of a child because, while parents may no longer be spouses to each other, they will always be parents to their children.

The collaborative process offers many benefits to those facing divorce. I can help you use that process to secure the outcomes you need from your divorce. To schedule a consultation, call 816-533-5152 or contact me online.