Collaborative Law

Collaborative law, developed in the early 1990s, increasingly is becoming a preferred method of resolving family disputes. By using a collaborative law process, a divorcing husband and wife avoid spending time in a courtroom, and can maintain greater control over the outcome and timing of their case.

Each party contractually commits to full disclosure and to negotiating productively toward a fair and equitable agreement, rather than using the adversarial approaches common to the courtroom. Attorneys serve as client advocates to identify and explore mutually acceptable solutions. As needed, mental health professionals may be added to the team to provide coaching, and financial professionals may be called in to offer practical budget and tax planning advice.

As a healthier and more respectful method for resolving family disputes, collaborative law reduces the anxiety of a divorce, humanizes the process and protects the best interests of children because it increases the chances for a cordial relationship as a dissolved couple.

Levy Craig’s family law attorneys are extensively trained in collaborative law and mediation, and are qualified to practice collaborative law in Missouri and Kansas. With more than 30 collective years of experience, they have successfully handled collaborative law cases for clients in both states. Levy Craig attorneys:

   >  Provide client counsel throughout the process
   >  Prepare for and participate in group meetings with the
       collaborative law team
   >  Work cooperatively with the other spouse’s attorney
   >  Help identify customized settlement options that serve the
       needs of each family member
   >  Guide the process to settlement
   >  File the legal documents and finalize the case after a
       settlement is reached