Collaborative Divorce

Creative Resolutions to Complicated Problems

A collaborative divorce serves as an alternative to a traditional divorce in that it helps spouses resolve issues in a cooperative rather than in an adversarial environment. This process assists people who want to work together in a more amicable way that does not focus on litigation. It can provide a cheaper, less stressful, more certain, and shorter way to resolve marital issues.

To learn more using collaborative law in your divorce, contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald M. Gallant, in Southern Connecticut.

Divorces based in Respect and Dignity

A key ingredient in collaborative divorce is a contract where you and your spouse agree to treat each other fairly, fully disclosing information in an honest manner. The whole purpose of collaborative divorce is to reach resolutions to issues in an efficient and dignified manner.

Both you and your spouse should attempt to settle disputes through the collaborative law process. Both attorneys will agree to represent their clients only through this process. If spouses fail to reach acceptable agreements, their attorneys must withdraw their representation. Spouses may still seek out new counsel to litigate these issues in court.

To memorialize agreements reached through the collaborative divorce process, we will draft a separation agreement. Before the court finalizes your divorce, it must review and approve this document. If you fail to reach an agreement on specific issues, you can still seek to resolve them through binding mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

Differences from Mediation

Collaborative law has many similar goals as mediation. Both processes attempt to resolve conflicts cooperatively, outside of court. Unlike mediation, attorneys play an active role during collaborative divorce. In collaborative law, an independent mediator does not run the proceedings.

If you want to learn more the benefits of collaborative divorce, contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald M. Gallant. We represent people throughout Southern Connecticut, including people in Shelton, Bridgeport, New Haven, Danbury, Waterbury, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven, East Haven, Fairfield, Orange, Woodbridge, Hamden, Naugatuck, Ansonia, Derbv, Seymour, Oxford, Monroe, Wallingford, Fairfield County, New Haven County, and throughout the Naugatuck Valley.