Collaborative Family Law

Collaborative family law is a unique approach to resolving family law related disputes. Following a structured process, each party works with their own attorney toward a mutually beneficial agreement. This is different from mediation, where both parties work with a neutral third party. Our team has extensive experience with alternative dispute resolution methods, attorneys Lisa Shapson and Joni Berner are both members of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and are experienced in guiding clients through collaborative family law.

Collaborative Law allows each party to use their own attorney to represent their interests, while still working together outside of court to resolve disputes.

Collaborative practice has been a popular approach in divorces for many years, but it can also help with child custody, support agreements, prenuptial contracts, and other family law matters. Collaborative law is a more cost-effective to handle these types of disputes than going to court because it avoids the necessity of having to file pleadings and attend court hearings to resolve disagreements.

Attorneys, financial advisors, and other experts may join the process to help create agreements that work for everyone involved, Such as mental health professionals or child specialists to help create parenting plans that support a child’s emotional well-being. This approach can reduce stress, save time, and give families more control over important decisions instead of having a judge decide these sensitive matters.

PHILADELPHIA ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

There are few formal rules for collaborative practice in family law cases, but the process usually involves several key steps:

Signing a Participation Agreement – Both parties and their attorneys agree in writing to resolve their issues without going to court. This contract commits everyone to open communication and cooperation.
Building a Collaborative Team – Depending on the case, neutral professionals such as financial specialists, child experts, or therapists may join the process to provide guidance and support.
Identifying Goals and Concerns – Each person shares their priorities and worries, which helps ensure everyone’s concerns are considered from the start.
Exchanging Information – Both sides provide financial records, parenting concerns, and other relevant details openly and honestly. Full disclosure is critical to collaborative divorce because it promotes honesty and transparent discussions.
Holding Structured Meetings – Guided discussions help the parties work through disagreements, explore their legal options, and find solutions that benefit everyone.

Parents Who Don’t Agree Can Still Benefit from Collaborative Law

These are matters that mean a lot to you. Where emotions often run high, conflicts can easily escalate. Instead of battling in front of a judge, parents who disagree or don’t get along can work with trained professionals who help guide the discussion and keep things productive. Attorneys for both sides can help ensure parents stay focused on solutions rather than disagreements. If tensions between parents are high, they might meet separately with a neutral mediator who can help them work through their differences. Even when parents don’t get along, collaborative practice encourages better long-term communication, which can make co-parenting easier in the future.

Contact Our Pennsylvania Collaborative Practice Attorneys

At BKW Family Law, we believe in the power of collaborative practice to help parents and families resolve their disputes more peacefully and productively. We can guide you through the process and help you find a solution that fits your needs without the time and expense of going to court. Call now or complete our contact form to speak with our team.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods can eliminate the need for litigation in family law matters.

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