What is the Collaborative Law Process?
Collaborative law encourages members of the couple to negotiate in a respectful, solution-oriented environment with the support of trained professionals. Collaborative law is new in Illinois and not entirely regulated by statute so traditional divorce laws still apply. You have your own lawyer and your partner will have his or her own lawyer. In collaborative divorce, both spouses and their counsel agree to resolve all issues in the divorce without going to court and litigating. Both lawyers are trained in the collaborative process and are committed to helping you arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement, but they are also committed to protecting your interests and your rights. This is particularly important if one spouse has had less power in the relationship or is less savvy about the family finances. One of the biggest differences in the collaborative process is the inclusion of outside experts. You and your former partner will agree upon the financial experts and child custody exp
