Collaborative Law, also known as the Collaborative Process, is a formal alternative dispute resolution process.

Clients agree to engage in full disclosure and commit to seeking solutions that address both parties’ goals and the best interest of the family without going to court.

Clients who successfully resolve their family law matter through the Collaborative Process often feel like they made it through their family law dispute in a respectful manner and maintain a productive post-process relationship with their former partner.

What is Collaborative Law? 

The Collaborative Process involves a couple working with their collaboratively trained attorneys as a team to resolve their divorce or other family law matters without going to court. A collaborative team may also include other mutually agreed-to, collaboratively trained professionals, such as divorce coaches, child specialists, and neutral financial professionals.

In a Collaborative Process, the team works together in a group setting (in-person or virtual) to identify options that address the best interests of each person and their family. Each individual also meets independently with his or her attorney and other team members. 

Collaborative divorce focuses on brainstorming and evaluating options. This enables the parties to focus on what’s important to them and their families, instead on what a court may decide.

Is Collaborative Law Right For You? 

The Collaborative Law process requires transparency and full disclosure. 

The formal Collaborative Process starts with the signing of a collaborative participation agreement, which requires a commitment to transparency and good faith, and also may require you to hire new professionals if you do not reach resolution and choose to litigate.

Therefore, it is important that you feel the Collaborative Process is right for you before entering into it. Our collaborative divorce and family law attorneys will help determine if it is right for you and your family. 

How Lerch, Early & Brewer Can Assist With Your Collaborative Law Case 

Our Collaborative Law family law lawyers have experience working on Collaborative Law matters. We have strong relationships with collaborative professionals, including divorce coaches, child specialists, neutral financial professionals, mental health professionals, and other collaborative divorce lawyers, which helps us effectively and efficiently work with our clients through the Collaborative Process. 

Work With a Compassionate Collaborative Divorce Attorney

If you are interested in the Collaborative Process, please contact divorce attorneys Erin Kopelman or Lynette Kleiza for more information and to schedule a consultation.

Success Stories

Gaining Physical Custody in Relocation Case

Challenge

The mother of our client’s children planned to move away for a new job opportunity, taking the children with her. She had been the primary parent, so our client wished to gain sole physical custody of the children, allowing them to remain in the DC area.

Strategy

Lerch Early argued before the court that the children would be best served to stay in this area with their father. We worked with key experts to demonstrate that a move to the new location would be detrimental to the children’s interests.

Result

The judge awarded sole physical custody to our client, allowing the children to remain in the environment where they attended school and had friends.

Insights