An Alternative To Adversarial Divorce
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
An Alternative To Adversarial Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a cheaper alternative to a divorce trial. It also
empowers the divorcing couple and reduces emotional conflict.
In the last few years, a new technique has arisen in the practice of divorce
law that attempts to resolve a divorce by both parties agreeing not to
go to court.
Collaborative Divorce ("CD") is a way of going through the divorce process which minimizes
the emotional impact on the family with the help of a team of professionals.
CD is a process where legal, emotional and financial elements are addressed
by a team of professionals, retained by the couple, to resolve the issues
surrounding the divorce. This process of divorce allows the couple to
make the decisions that will affect their future and their changing relationships,
not the court system. A collaborative team consists of professionals who
are trained in the collaborative divorce process and is made up of:
2 attorneys, one for each spouse,
2 coaches, one for each spouse, (licensed mental health professionals)
1 financial specialist (CPA)
1 child specialist, (licensed mental health professional)
Because each professional is trained in collaborative divorce and works
together, this process is much more cost efficient than a traditionally
litigated, adversarial divorce. Often, the cost differential is approximately
1/3 of a traditional divorce.
Divorce coaching is different from traditional therapy and is not a replacement
for therapy. The role of the mental health professional is to strategize
with the client and the other spouses coach to work through emotional
impasses that may get in the way of reaching a Marital Settlement Agreement.
The coach works with the client individually as well as in meetings with
the attorney's and the other spouse as they are reaching agreement.
Divorce coaches encourage the client to continue with their own therapy
or seek professional counseling if needed.
CD requires that the couple sign an agreement that they will not go to
court. If, for any reason, either spouse decides to litigate the case,
then neither collaborative attorney may continue to represent either spouse.
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce:
Empowers the couple to be in control, not the court system
Targets solutions, not problems
Reduces emotional conflict
Focuses attorney time on law, not emotional issues
Reduces divorce cost significantly
Provides a solid foundation for a post-divorce relationship
Gives children a voice in the process
For a consultation with the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, call (949) 565-4158 or
contact us online.
“Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey!”
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
Former Client
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
“A brilliantly educated pit bull”
“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
For a consultation with an Orange County attorney at the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, call (949) 565-4158 or contact us online.
Community Resources:
A variety of nonprofit social services agencies provide counseling services to divorcing families in the areas of domestic violence, marriage, family and children, and drug and alcohol abuse. Legal assistance is also available. For a list of these community resources, please contact Family Court Services at 714-935-6550.
Books To Help Divorcing Parents And Their Children:
My Mom and Dad Are Getting a Divorce by Florence Bienenfeld
Mom's House, Dad's House by Isolina Ricci, Ph.D.
Co-Parenting by Miriam Galper
When Living Hurts by Gordon Sol
Megan's Book of Divorce: A Kid's Book for Adults by Eric Jong
Child Custody: Building Agreements That Work by Mimi E. Lyster
The Parental Alienation Syndrome: A Guide for Mental Health and Legal Professionals by Richard A. Gardner, M.D.
