Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Chicago, IL

Get The Right Divorce Decree With Illinois Collaborative Divorce

Not all divorces are bitter tug-of-wars. When both spouses realize the marriage is done, they can work through the practical issues of ending the marriage, like dividing property, determining who is responsible for which debts, and arranging a child custody and support scheme. A collaborative divorce may be ideal if your split is not acrimonious and you and your spouse wish to save money and avoid court. With the help of our Chicago, IL, collaborative divorce lawyer, you can ensure that you secure a divorce decree that meets your needs and provides the means for you to have a brighter future post-divorce.

At Merel Family Law, we support our clients’ rights—your rights—in the divorce; no one else’s. Our attorneys are trained in negotiation and mediation, and we strive to find an acceptable solution without going to court. Collaborative divorce, with its emphasis on compromise and preserving cordial relationships, can be ideal for spouses who share children and must preserve a functional co-parenting relationship. We offer a complimentary initial consultation, so please contact us today to get started.

How Can A Chicago Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Help Me?

A collaborative divorce is a commitment between each spouse and their respective divorce attorneys to negotiate a divorce settlement on their own and not take the disputed matters to court. When couples can’t resolve matters between themselves, a family law judge rules on the matter, and each side must prepare an argument and counter-argument. This takes a lot of time and money. Avoiding court can finalize the divorce faster, save you money, and leave you with less hard feelings if you must maintain a relationship with your child’s other parent.

As professional negotiators and mediators, we can provide guidance for disputed issues, helping you find creative solutions to everything from who gets the house to who gets the hamster. We focus on what matters most to you in negotiations and strive to give you the best settlement possible so you can achieve your post-divorce dreams.

What To Expect In An Illinois Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorces have a few specific legal stipulations. If you or your spouse fail to comply, then you’ll end up in court, and your divorce settlement may be determined by a judge. After that, you’ll have no say in the matter and must legally comply with the judge’s decision.

• Everyone involved, both the clients and legal professionals, commits to respectful communication and honest negotiations
• Both partners share relevant documents and financial details, including income, assets, and investments
• Each side promptly provides the requested information to the other party’s attorney
• The lawyers are bound by agreement to only support a collaborative process and cannot later represent their client in court against the other spouse
• You, your attorney, your spouse, and their lawyer meet regularly to work through the issues together

In a collaborative divorce, you have more freedom to brainstorm options, negotiate compromises, and think creatively about what is best for your unique situation.

Our clients choose collaborative divorce for many reasons, from saving time or money to wanting to maintain a friendly relationship with the other parent so their child has a more stable post-divorce life. At Merel Family Law, we can help protect your rights in the divorce process and ensure that your settlement is favorable. Please contact us today for a consultation.