Collaborative Divorce
"The reduced expense in terms of time and emotions, coupled with the reduced risk of future litigation and the privacy protection of the collaborative process in comparison to the litigation model, affords the greatest rewards."
- Pamela M. Pacetti
Collaborative Family Law or "collaborative divorce" is gaining popularity world-wide and is designed to minimize conflict while encouraging parties to work together to resolve differences on all family issues as an alternative to "slash and burn" lawsuits in courtrooms. Each party retains an attorney who has concentrated family law experience and is further trained in the collaborative divorce process. The parties and their respective counsel commit NOT to litigate and agree to work together under a participation agreement; the marriage is dissolved in a manner that addresses the legal, financial and emotional needs of both parties and their children. By removing the threat of litigation and fostering a climate of open communication and cooperation, a collaborative divorce promotes genuine, mutual understanding when dealing with delicate issues surrounding the family.
The parties who elect a collaborative divorce will benefit from the experience, advocacy and negotiating skills of their respective attorneys, while receiving insight, support and advice from other professionals such as financial advisors and child specialists who can assist the parties in achieving unique, reality-tested solutions specific to their needs. Although the dissolution of a marriage can be a devastating and painful experience, the collaborative divorce process reduces the anxiety and fear typical of a litigation scenario in an atmosphere focused on information gathering rather than deceit. Collaborative divorce promotes solution development rather than entrenchment of animosity.
Collaborative attorneys seek to create forward-looking settlement agreements by counseling their divorcing clients concerning the legal principles of family law and by accessing additional neutral, professional input, where necessary, regarding the issues unique to their family situation. Within this framework, parties give each other and themselves the freedom to shape their future during and after the divorce. While a court may impose orders relating to the issues you are facing, no judge can achieve the same quality of results with only several hours of insight into you, your spouse, your children and your marriage.
The cost associated with the collaborative model is generally more cost-effective than litigation. Rather than both parties hiring their own expensive expert witnesses to give opposing testimony in court on issues concerning property distribution, spousal/child support, custody and visitation, they jointly engage collaborative non-lawyer experts in one or more of these areas to give unbiased input in reaching amicable resolutions with mutual benefits.
At your initial consultation, Ms. Pacetti will explore the possibilities your case presents and discuss all options available to you. For more information about how Ms. Pacetti can assist you during this difficult time, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
Pamela M. Pacetti
Attorney at Law
3919 Old Lee Highway, Suite 82-C
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Telephone: 703-591-0056
Facsimile: 703-591-2443
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