Date: 04/04/22

Author: Attorney Jean Butler

Explaining Collaborative Divorce

Divorce can be a grueling situation which is both emotionally and financially taxing for those involved. Most often, the topic of divorce is met with negative connotations. Likewise, no person willingly or happily goes through the divorce process. Above all, divorce is something most want to avoid due to the hardships involved with it. However, in Illinois there are different methods to make the process work best for you. One of the options people can consider when facing divorce is collaborative divorce. 

What is Collaborative Divorce?

First and foremost, collaborative divorce in Illinois is defined by the Illinois Collaborative Process Act (ICPA). In short, the act defines the collaborative divorce process as a procedure intended to resolve a collaborative process matter without intervention by a court.” In other words, collaborative divorce takes some of the anger and animosity out of the process. For example, unlike a traditional divorce, you will avoid things like uncomfortable discoveries and confusing trials. In addition, there are two requirements for collaborative divorce to take place in Illinois. First, the parties involved must agree to go about the process respectfully. Collaborative divorce is meant to make these situations more peaceful and intends on avoiding the usual drama involved in traditional divorce cases. Secondly, each party involved must have their own separate lawyers.

The Collaborative Divorce Process

Parties involved will go through a series of meetings with their individual attorneys. Furthermore, these meetings will be held in positive, non-threatening environments where all parties feel content. During this process the parties involved will discuss things like parenting time, child support, alimony, and more in a peaceful manner. Unlike traditional divorce, collaborative divorce seeks to give the parties involved their needs and wants. Therefore, once an agreement has been made by the involved parties it will be sent for approval by a court. Above all, the purpose of the collaborative divorce process is to have the opposing parties become agreeable. Avoiding unneeded stress is always a plus and collaborative divorce allows this reality. 

Collaborative Divorce Specialists

In addition, to collaborative divorce lawyers, there are many other professionals out there to help make your situation easier. For example, divorce coaches are often involved in the collaborative process. A divorce coach is meant to help the parties wade through the emotional aspects involved in a divorce. Similar to a mediator, divorce coaches have no bias and are meant to help divorcing couples communicate properly. Furthermore, parties involved in collaborative divorce can reach out to family and financial specialists. Most often, family specialists will help divorcing couples manage things in relation to their children like custody or support. On the other hand, financial specialists help newly divorced individuals weed through the money issues that present themselves following a divorce. It is likely that assets among newly divorced couples will be split up, financial specialists assist in making this process as easy as possible.

Family Law Attorney Help

Often, choosing the right Family Law attorney can be a struggle. However, an experienced Family Law attorney at Prime Law Group can help you make sense of your situation. Give us a call if you have any questions or any other family law matters.

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