Bloomington Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

One of the most challenging things about a divorce is that you, to a certain extent, are not in control of your future. In litigation, a judge decides things that will have a major impact on your life going forward, everything from child custody to asset division. Fortunately, there is an alternative divorce method that empowers you and allows you to make decisions that fit your family.

The method is called collaborative divorce, and it allows you and your former spouse to dissolve your marriage in a constructive, healthy fashion. At Bloch & Whitehouse, P.A., our attorneys are members of the Collaborative Law Institute and have seen firsthand how couples and children can benefit from the cooperative, respectful approach emphasized in collaborative divorce.

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

It is certainly the case that a court is capable of dissolving your marriage. Courts have done so for years. However, traditional litigation can exacerbate hostility, waste money and often leaves both parties unsatisfied.

Collaborative divorce seeks to solve those problems by focusing on you and your family. It is negotiation-based and centered around your goals. The most important parts of collaborative divorce are:

• Staying out of court: You, your spouse and each attorney all sign a contract promising that the case will not go to court. Without the threat of court action, you are free to exchange ideas and information without fear.
• Communication and participation: By having face-to-face meetings with your spouse, it becomes easier to respect his or her positions and understand what motives are driving negotiations.
• Access to a team: Collaborative divorce fosters a supportive environment that helps you manage emotions and shield children from trauma. By working with divorce coaches, financial experts and child specialists, you can gain a complete understanding of the issues in your divorce and work toward a positive outcome.

Divorce is and will always be a major life event. That does not mean it has to be traumatic or damaging, however. The collaborative process can be used to prevent animosity.

If you have children, you and your former spouse will most likely need to have contact with each other as years go by. If your divorce was amicable and respectful, then your children benefit directly because they are not exposed to ongoing fighting and bickering during or after the divorce process.

Contact a Hennepin County Family Law Lawyer

To learn more about collaborative divorce and whether it may benefit you and your family, reach out to the attorneys of Bloch & Whitehouse, P.A., to talk about it. Call 952-224-9977. You can also contact our law firm online.