Fort Worth Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
Youngblood Law, PLLC helps people create divorce agreements outside of the courtroom through the collaborative divorce process.
Collaborative Divorce in Fort Worth
You never imagined that your marriage would break down, and now, you’re likely worried about the next steps. You don’t want to go through a contentious legal battle to settle the issues in the divorce. Litigation is expensive and emotional, and the judge has the final say, so you might be unhappy with the outcome. Fortunately, our Fort Worth collaborative divorce lawyers can take a different approach. We can use interest-based negotiation strategies to help you iron out an agreement with the other side.
Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce
Are you trying to decide between a collaborative divorce and litigation? First, consider the benefits of a collaborative divorce. This option is:
- Often more affordable than litigation
- Non-adversarial
- Easier on children and adults
- Private and confidential
- Customized to ensure that both sides have their needs met
- Neutral professionals can help with custody and financial decisions
How Does Collaborative Divorce Work?
Both you and the other party will hire Fort Worth collaborative divorce lawyers for representation. These attorneys are experienced in interest-based negotiation strategies and conflict resolution. After signing the participation agreement, you will take part in joint meetings with the other side. Then, the spouses will disclose their assets and begin negotiations.
In many cases, the collaborative divorce attorneys and clients can come to agreements without outside help. However, your attorney can also bring in specialists if needed. For example, if you’re having trouble ironing out the parenting agreement, a neutral professional who focuses on custody can be helpful. The professional will serve as a neutral consultant to advise both parents on issues children face during divorce. Financial professionals are an available option too.
After you have an agreement in place, the attorneys will draft the paperwork, and you can sign it. Then, you can move forward with finishing the divorce without dealing with litigation.
Collaborative Divorce Vs. Mediation
While collaborative divorce and mediation are both non-adversarial conflict resolution strategies, they differ in key ways. In mediation, a third-party neutral mediator oversees the negotiations. Mediation normally occurs before going to trial. Thus, there is the threat of litigation if you cannot reach an agreement.
On the other hand, both parties retain attorneys when going through a collaborative divorce. They also agree to work it out without litigation and benefit from the help of attorneys and experts if needed. Because both sides have advocates, they can work toward reaching their goals.
While both mediation and collaborative divorce require compromise, many find that their needs are better met through the latter. Contact a Fort Worth collaborative divorce lawyer if you would like to learn more.
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Our Areas of Practice
Why Choose Youngblood Law
- Thoughtful Family Law representation.
- We only practice Family Law, so we can focus on details that generalists miss.
- We handle Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Adoptions, and Protective Orders, so our experience in each type of case overlaps the others giving us more depth of knowledge to help your case.
- We offer evening and weekend consultations, and our phones are answered by a real person 24/7.
- Regular and frequent client communication and updates.
- We work to help each client reach his or her goals in a case—no cookie cutter approach.
- Focused in Tarrant County, we bring knowledge of the local courts and court staff to work for your case.
What If You Can’t Reach An Agreement?
The collaborative divorce process is designed to help both parties reach an agreement without going to trial. If the process breaks down and the two sides cannot agree, the attorneys must withdraw from the case. Then, both sides must hire new attorneys for trial. This provides an incentive to negotiate complex issues and reach an agreement. If you have to hire another attorney and go to court, the judge will decide on all matters. Then, you won’t have any control over the outcome.
How Long Does Collaborative Divorce Take?
The duration of the collaborative divorce process depends on factors such as the complexity of the marital estate and parenting issues and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. It’s generally much faster than a litigated divorce. If you reach an agreement quickly, you can submit it to the court and receive your divorce decree after the mandatory waiting period. Texas law states that you must wait 60 days after filing to obtain a divorce. Your Fort Worth collaborative divorce lawyer will review your case to give you a general idea of what to expect regarding the timeline.
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Contact Us Today For A Free Case Evaluation
Contact Us
Contact Us Today For A Free Case Evaluation
