When couples decide to separate or divorce, the thought of going to court to resolve personal differences can become stressful, and it can have an uncertain outcome that may not serve the needs of either party. Typically, couples will want to avoid resolving conflicts using the court as a mediator.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Family Law (also known as Collaborative Divorce, and Collaborative Practice) is a process which helps couples work through differences using family lawyers and other family professionals. This collaborative option gives both parties the opportunity to focus on what is important in terms of individual needs, as well as present and future family and personal expectations.

Pre- & Post-Marital Agreements

An important aspect of Collaborative Family Law is the initiation of pre- and post- marital agreements, which are executed in a consensual fashion, rather than with an oppositional attitude. Marital agreements allow couples to begin married life on firm legal ground where financial issues are discussed and confirmed legally.

Participation Agreement

When a couple agrees to Collaborative Family Law instead of litigation, they must sign a participation agreement. A participation agreement is a binding contract which stipulates that both parties will take into consideration the needs of each other as well as the children. The agreement also states that if a settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will remove themselves from the case, and help their clients make the transition to trial attorneys. In the majority of cases, Collaborative Family Law establishes an open and cooperative environment in which each party (and each respective lawyer) can work out a settlement that benefits everyone involved.

Find out More

Typically, court proceedings do not attempt to control emotions involved in divorce. The Collaborative Practice has spread rapidly across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, because it does address both emotion well-being and personal integrity. In Collaborative Practice, individuals tend to walk away with some semblance of dignity.

If you would like to find out more about Collaborative Family Law, please visit The Collaborative Law Institute of Texas.

Angela Stout

Angela A. Stout was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2007. Ms. Stout has practiced law since 2007, with an emphasis in representing clients in family law matters. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law in May of 2007. Ms. Stout became Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in December of 2015. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization is a specialized group of attorneys that must obtain exceptional experience in a specific area of law, pass a comprehensive exam, and complete ongoing continuing legal education in that specialized area. Additionally, Ms. Stout is certified as a mediator by the A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center.

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