Divorcing spouses don’t necessarily have to be adversaries, consuming their precious time and resources with divisive litigation. A more innovative approach to divorce, known as collaborative law, helps the parties settle their differences and end their marriage with limited court intervention. Although no single process or approach is correct for every divorcing couple, growing numbers of couples are accepting collaborative law as an effective alternative to mediation or litigation.
To begin a collaborative law case, each spouse retains his or her own collaboratively-trained attorney. Both parties and their attorneys then sign a written agreement, reflecting their intent to reach a mutually beneficial settlement without resorting to litigation through the court. During the collaborative divorce process, the parties meet both privately with their attorneys and jointly as a group to discuss the terms of their settlement agreement. Additional experts, such as divorce coaches, neutral financial professionals, and child specialists, may be retained during the process to assist with the settlement. These additional experts, collectively referred to as “team members,” are neutrals, i.e. they do not advocate for either party, but rather provide unbiased advice in their area of expertise to help guide the parties and their attorneys toward a fair and amicable agreement. For example, a financial professional may provide advice to the parties as a property settlement that would result in the most favorable tax implications for each spouse post-divorce. A child specialist may provide advice to the parties regarding the best parenting plan for their particular situation.
When both parties reach a final agreement, formal settlement documents will be drafted by the collaborative attorneys, who will follow the parties to the finalization of their case.
Even with the assistance of attorneys and a collaborative team, the parties may be unable to come to an agreement, or one or both parties may decide to proceed with litigation in court. If this occurs, the collaborative agreement terminates. Attorneys and any “team members” utilized during the collaborative portion of the process are disqualified from participating further in the adversarial court proceedings. This encourages the parties and their attorneys to fully commit to the collaborative process through cooperation and problem-solving, reduces the likelihood of unnecessary conflicts arising during the process, and encourages the parties to resolve their disputes more efficiently and amicably. Contact the collaborative law attorneys of WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, today to schedule a consultation.
Jennifer is a strategic thinker with a remarkable ability to anticipate and address potential challenges. Her attention to detail and thorough preparation were evident in every aspect of my paternity case. This meticulous approach translated into a successful resolution of establishing the father-child relationship and financial responsibility that comes with that. I felt well-represented both inside and outside the zoom courtroom.
I was referred to the firm for their expertise in handling complex business divisions during divorce proceedings. As someone entangled in a high-stakes divorce involving substantial business assets, I can attest to their unparalleled skill, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for their clients. From the business valuation to the creative distribution, thank you.
If you own a business or an interest in a business or stock options (or anything of real value related to a business) then you need to make sure that your divorce attorney knows what they’re doing. My first attorney had no idea and so I had to start over finding the right team that had extensive family law and divorce experience that I needed in Chicago. Their deep understanding of corporate structures, financial statements, and tax implications showcased a level of competence that instilled confidence throughout the entire process. They collaborated seamlessly with financial experts, forensic accountants, and other…
The firm’s negotiation skills were instrumental in reaching a favorable settlement that protected my financial interests while mitigating the emotional toll often associated with divorce proceedings. Enough said. Ward family law has the best team of experienced lawyers to get you what you want and deserve.
For anyone facing the challenging intersection of divorce and complex business matters, I wholeheartedly recommend Jennifer and Emily as legal eagles who goes above and beyond to safeguard their clients' interests.
Just as their law firm philosophy stated, Jennifer and Emily consistently maintained an open line of communication, promptly responding to my emails and keeping me informed at every step of the legal divorce process. This transparent approach not only fostered trust but also allowed me to actively participate in my case, making informed decisions with confidence.
What truly sets them apart from the other matrimonial lawyers is their keen attention to detail. They approached our unique situation with a meticulous eye, taking the time to understand our needs and concerns in getting married. The resulting prenuptial agreement felt tailor-made, a testament to that clear commitment to delivering personalized legal solutions.
My entire marriage was reactive. The proactive approach proposed by Jennifer alleviated any apprehensions I had, fostering trust in her team’s family law expertise and being able to understand her client’s needs. In the courtroom, the senior legal associate, Emily, demonstrated a command of legal strategy woven in with facts unique to my situation. The case was settled, but not without some court battles to get us there. Thank you for the fight when I needed it and the negotiation of settlement when it was time.
Zoom courtroom presence is odd, to say the least. Somehow, Emily was able to show herself as both assertive and composed in a zoom setting, instilling confidence that my interests were being fiercely defended. Divorce isn’t fun, but I can tell you it’s nice to have the right people on your side during the process. Ward family law did that for me.
I recently had the privilege of working with Jennifer - she has to be one of the most outstanding legal professionals in Chicago. I don’t write reviews often, but I am compelled to share my experience with others seeking top-notch representation during a divorce. I was referred to her - she is renowned for her expertise and dedication to families, which proved her to be an invaluable ally during a challenging period in my life that had me at risk of losing my kids. She demonstrated a profound understanding of the intricacies of divorce law. Her comprehensive knowledge of the…
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