Minneapolis Collaborative Divorce Lawyer And Facilitator
A divorce does not have to become a costly court fight. You and your spouse may be able to settle your issues through a private and structured process.
As a Minneapolis collaborative divorce lawyer and facilitator, I help Twin Cities families find practical ways forward. The process gives each spouse legal support and it can also bring in neutral experts when needed. In collaborative divorce and other methods of alternative dispute resolution, you can work toward a fair and lasting agreement outside court.
How Minnesota Collaborative Divorce Differs From Standard Mediation
Mediation and collaborative divorce can both reduce conflict. They can also help you keep more control over the outcome. However, they are not the same process.
In mediation, one neutral person helps both spouses discuss their concerns. The mediator may guide the talks and help identify areas of agreement. However, the mediator does not act as either spouse’s lawyer.
In collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own trained attorney. Your lawyer gives you legal advice and helps protect your interests during each meeting.
A larger team may also support the process. A financial neutral can help review income, property, debt and future needs. A divorce coach may help improve communication. A child specialist can help parents focus on what their children need.
This team approach can make hard issues easier to manage. It also gives both spouses the facts they need to make sound choices.
You Can Keep Your Divorce Case Out Of Hennepin And Ramsey County Courts
Both spouses and their lawyers sign a collaborative participation agreement. This agreement shows that everyone plans to settle the case outside court.
If the talks break down, the collaborative lawyers cannot take the case to trial. Each spouse must hire a new lawyer before starting a contested court case. This rule changes the focus of the process. The lawyers are not preparing to fight in court. Instead, everyone has a reason to keep talking and seek common ground.
You will still need to file the required divorce papers. A judge must also approve the final agreement. Yet you may avoid contested hearings, formal arguments and a public trial.
Is Collaborative Facilitation Right For Your Twin Cities Family?
Collaborative divorce often works best when both spouses are ready to be open and respectful. It may be a good choice when your case involves:
- A business or professional practice
- Real estate or valuable investments
- Complex pay or retirement benefits
- Sensitive parenting concerns
- A wish to preserve a healthy co-parenting relationship
Both spouses must provide full financial details, and they must also take part in honest talks. The process may not work when one person hides assets, uses threats or refuses to negotiate.
Find A Better Way Forward Through Collaborative Divorce
I have more than 20 years of family law experience. I use that background to help families understand their choices and work toward practical agreements. Contact Kretchmer Family Law, PLLC, to discuss whether collaborative divorce may offer your family a better path forward. Call my office today at 612-887-3997 or reach me via online contact form.