Palatine Collaborative Law Attorney

Resolving family law issues can be expensive and emotionally draining. Most families look for cost-effective and efficient solutions to their divorce, child custody, or child support issues. Collaborative law is an alternative to going to court, and this process centers around both parties being willing to work toward amicable resolutions for all family law-related issues. The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. has the experience and knowledge to help resolve your family disputes through the collaborative law process.

Call 847.873.6741 or contact us online to find out how the collaborative law process works and speak with Attorney Richardson about how it can save you time and money.

Collaborative Law Processes in Illinois

The Illinois Collaborative Process Act, which was passed in 2018, governs how collaborative law is used in divorce and family law cases. Collaborative law is an alternate dispute resolution process that does not involve litigation and relies on both parties voluntarily committing to non-adversarial proceedings. The goals are to not only avoid multiple court dates but also maximize the settlement options for each party as well as minimize the negative financial, emotional, and social consequences that affect the parties and their children or other family members. If either party decides to terminate the collaborative law process, both sides must retain new counsel for litigation.

The collaborative law process begins with each side retaining an attorney who is trained in collaborative law. Both sides agree to work together respectfully, honestly, and in good faith to resolve all issues within the divorce. This includes disclosure of any information that may be pertinent to the discussion and negotiation of various issues during the divorce process. A settlement is negotiated utilizing attorneys and other professionals as needed. This includes distribution of property, spousal support, and child custody. Once an agreement is made, the attorneys draft legally binding documents to be filed and approved by the court, and both parties will be required to follow the settlement terms agreed upon.

A Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Offering Alternative, Cost-Saving Solutions to Families in Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and Throughout Chicagoland

Collaborative law offers an alternative to resolving your family law case in front of a judge. It can be less expensive and allow for a faster way of resolving disputes, while ensuring that your private matters will be kept out of the Courtroom.

Both parties must agree to be involved in this completely voluntary process. Once an agreement is reached on all issues, it is submitted to the Court for approval, and the parties will not be required to make arguments in a contested hearing. Instead, the judge will review a settlement, and the decisions made by the spouses will generally be approved, unless they are grossly unfair to one party or do not protect the best interests of the couple's children.

Depending on your specific situation, there are pros and cons to such an approach. An experienced collaborative law attorney can explain them to you and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Contact a Barrington Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Attorney Nick Richardson is trained in mediation, negotiation, and collaborative law. Not only will collaboration save you the time and money associated with litigation, but it will also allow you and your spouse to determine the outcome of your specific issues, whether they are related to your children, the property accumulated during your marriage, or other legal or financial concerns.

Call 847.873.6741 or contact us online to set up a free consultation and find out how the collaborative law process can help you work out a solution to your family law needs. We are available evenings and weekends by appointment if necessary. Credit cards accepted. We serve clients in Palatine, Barrington, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Cook County, and DuPage County.