After working with couples for more than 30 years as they work through the difficult process of dissolving unions, splitting time with the children, and dividing up assets and belongings gathered while building a marriage and a family, I have become so grateful for the opportunity to serve more and more of them using a collaborative divorce process.
Click here to schedule a 30-minute consultation with Jeanne.
March 4-8 is Divorce With Respect Week. This national movement started in California in 2021 and is steadily gaining momentum. The goal of Divorce With Respect Week is to spread awareness and share information about Collaborate Divorce and Mediation and help more people realize they are worthwhile no-court alternatives to the traditional divorce process. With a traditional divorce, the couple will often take somewhat adversarial roles against one another, each fighting to win as much as they can of what they want, whether it’s money, property, or time with the kids. With traditional divorce litigation, time is spent in the courtroom presenting arguments to a judge who has the ultimate decision-making power over all the issues about which the couple has disputes.
With Collaborative Divorce or Mediation, there is a structure in place that fosters a genuine spirit of cooperation, enabling couples to focus on creating resolutions that both parties can be satisfied with. A few of my clients have expressed concern about being in the same room with their soon-to-be ex, stating that their “charming” personality will convince others of his/her reasonableness, yet an underlying unwillingness to agree to any settlement terms that my client would propose. There are a couple of ways we as a collaborative team can address these issues. One is to have a communication coach as part of the team who can help navigate the wording of a spouse and “restate” terms/ideas with a neutral tone, or even call a break to address the emotional issue in the room. Another option is for the attorney team to “jointly” suggest settlement options that were already discussed by both attorneys and not identify who suggested the idea, but that it was a team effort to brainstorm possible settlement options.
Most people have a basic idea of what mediation is, and it’s a very good alternative to traditional divorce litigation when you and your ex-spouse are able and willing to calmly negotiate the terms of your separation and divorce. The whole process can move far more quickly than a traditional divorce and be much less expensive.
Likewise, you can go through a Collaborative Divorce process faster and with less expense than a traditional divorce. You and your soon-to-be ex will work together to craft an agreement before it’s presented to a judge–a far better way to do things than to let a judge make decisions for you! It’s a truly supportive process involving a team of professionals, all of whom are trained in the Collaborative Divorce process. We can involve the services of a neutral financial professional to look at the documents critical to your decision-making. Your team members are your choice and they could also include a child specialist who serves as the “voice” of any minor children in the family.
Click here to schedule a 30-minute consultation with Jeanne.
Some of the very positive things I witness as a Collaborate Attorney is that both parties feel far more empowered and involved in the process of creating win-win outcomes. I see couples talk through difficult issues which often allows them to heal emotional wounds. I see them come to resolutions and arrangements that are agreed-upon compromises resulting in more compliance and fewer trips to court in the months and years following the divorce. I see children’s needs and desires represented in the discussion in a way they just can’t be in a traditional court divorce. I see couples who have been married for many decades work through complex issues around long-owned property through discussion rather than through paper trails shown to a judge. I see cooperation, conversation, and listening. I sometimes see bitterness give way to understanding, and I see couples who are in the most stressful period of their lives walk away with a little more comfort and compassion than those who “fight” each other in court.
I would love the opportunity to tell you more about the Collaborative Divorce process in a one-on-one conversation. In our confidential, 30-minute informational session, I will explain the process in more detail and answer your questions. There is no obligation after the call. My goal is to help you understand your divorce options during this difficult time.
I hope I will have the opportunity to talk to you and that you’ll take advantage of this once-a-year chance to book a call at no charge.
PLEASE NOTE:
The complimentary consultation is available ONLY March 4-8, 2024, during Divorce With Respect Week and ONLY when you book your call here.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Explore your no-court divorce options and the prenuptial process in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County and schedule a confidential consultation with divorce lawyer Jeanne Browne. With more than 30 years of experience helping couples divorce without court through mediation and collaborative practice, she will give you compassionate legal advice on your issues related to family law, divorce, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements. Click here to schedule a meeting.
Please Note: Articles posted on this website are for general information purposes only and are not to be considered legal advice. Every situation is unique and we recommend you reach out for a private conversation about your specific circumstances and concerns by booking a consultation.