Collaborative Law
Oregon Collaborative Law Attorneys Representing Your Interests
Settling your divorce through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is always preferable to costly litigation. Through legal representation focused on helping you find effective results outside of a court battle, the collaborative law process provides a formal, yet productive, approach to settling your divorce.
Johnston, Root & Leibenguth, P.C. in Portland, Oregon, offer family law assistance focused on saving you time and money better spent on your future. Contact us at (503) 946-5373 for the experienced divorce representation you need to succeed.
How Does Collaborative Divorce Differ from Divorce Mediation?
Collaborative law is a more recent form of ADR and conflict management in divorce and family law. Mediation involves the couple taking complete ownership of the divorce process — with or without advice from a lawyer, and facilitated by a neutral mediator. In collaborative law:
- You and your spouse must obtain separate legal representation by a qualified collaborative lawyer who must commit to avoiding litigation in court.
- All parties agree at the start to voluntary and full disclosure of all financial and other relevant information.
- Everyone works together as a team in a series of informal meetings with the goal to create a legal agreement regarding child custody and parenting time, spousal support, property division, child support, and other important issues.
- Both sides can be supported by additional professionals in financial and child advocate matters.
- Both collaborative attorneys must withdraw from all further representation in the unlikely event agreement is not possible, passing all results to a new litigation attorney to ensure continuity at trial.
The Benefits of Collaborative Law
Courts are restricted to applying the law in a uniform fashion to all divorce cases. Using cooperation over conflict, and a common goal, you and your spouse legally tailor your divorce according to what you and your spouse consider the ideal result for your family.
Less expensive and time-consuming than litigation, collaborative divorce also helps avoid the emotional cost of fighting it out in court. Because there must be agreement on all decisions, collaboration provides the legal representation you want by your side while you control matters and agree to all decisions moving forward.
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced collaborative law attorney, please contact us.
