Collaborative Law:
A Cooperative Approach to Divorce
What is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative Law offers an alternative to the traditional adversarial divorce process. Instead of litigation, both parties work together with their attorneys to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Key aspects of Collaborative Law:
Each party hires a Collaborative Lawyer trained in this method.
Both sides agree not to go to court while the process is ongoing.
The goal is to resolve disputes cooperatively rather than through conflict.
Open communication and voluntary information-sharing lead to fairer, longer-lasting agreements.
If you’re interested in hiring Oran Kaufman as your Collaborative Lawyer, contact us to learn more.
Core Principles of Collaborative Law
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Both parties must be represented by attorneys trained in Collaborative Law.
Lawyers are hired only for the purpose of reaching a settlement—not litigation.
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Clients do not permanently waive their right to go to court.
However, during the process, litigation is off the table to encourage cooperation.
If a resolution is not reached, both attorneys must withdraw, and new lawyers must be hired—providing a strong incentive to succeed.
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Both parties sign a participation agreement, outlining roles and expectations.
The process involves four-way meetings where clients and lawyers work together.
Joint problem-solving ensures both parties’ needs are heard and considered.
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Both sides voluntarily exchange all necessary financial and legal information.
If expert opinions are needed, the parties hire neutral professionals together.
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Lawyers advocate for their clients while also acknowledging the other party’s concerns.
The focus is on cooperation, respect, and long-term solutions—especially important when children are involved.
Is Collaborative Law Right for You?
This process works well for couples who:
✅ Want to avoid the stress and cost of litigation
✅ Are committed to working cooperatively to find solutions
✅ Value privacy, as the process happens outside of court
✅ Want to protect family relationships, particularly when children are involved
If you’re considering Collaborative Law, contact Amherst Mediation Services to schedule a consultation.
