Cooperative divorce law is a new alternative to the traditional court fight. It is a more practical way to help reduce the expense and frustration that normally is associated with going to court. It also provides an inexpensive, efficient, and unique opportunity for divorcing parties to be able to negotiate with one another in a conductive setting for compromise and settlement.
The cooperative divorce approach is similar to collaborative law in that it stresses settlement via the use of informal 4-way meetings with both parties and their lawyers. The parties are asked to sign a Cooperative Divorce Law Participation Agreement in which they commit to the following:
* An emphasis on civility.
* Avoidance of confrontation.
* Refraining from any counter-productive behaviors.
* Cooperation toward creating and maintaining a negotiator atmosphere that is conducive to reaching a settlement.
* Approaching the issues (and not the other party) as the problem.
* Treating all concerned with respect and civility.
* Voluntarily providing all relevant financial information promptly and without objection.
* Negotiating in good faith toward a non-court resolution.
* Applying their energy and creativity toward coming to a compromise settlement, instead of wasting it on preparations for a trial that only takes place in 1 of every 10 cases.
Cooperative divorce law joins mediation and collaborative divorce as a third settlement-oriented method of resolving conflict. It combines some of the elements of traditional litigation with the collaborative law method. The parties decide what works best for them. Choosing to have a cooperative divorce gives you some control of your divorce and can save you money.
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