Collaborative Law
Geneva Collaborative Family Law Attorney
An Agreement not to Litigate
In divorce mediation, one party may get cheated without the legal advocacy of an attorney. But in traditional, four-party negotiation or litigation, each side has a lawyer who is trying to gain an advantage, with the specter of litigation always looming as a veiled threat.
The The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates in Geneva, Illinois offers an alternative approach that assures both parties get solid legal advice while working toward a mutual agreement. Doug Warlick is currently known as the only attorney in Kane County who has received training in the growing practice of Collaborative Family Law. Our firm represents people in Kane County as well as Kendall, Dekalb and DuPage Counties in this exciting new approach to traditional litigation.
What is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative law is a formal divorce settlement process that combines the best of mediation and negotiation. Each of the divorcing parties retains a lawyer who is certified in Collaborative Law. As in mediation, the couple enters into a non-binding agreement to hash out the details of the property settlement, child custody and other aspects of divorce. Unlike mediation, each party still has legal representation within each “mediation session” to protect their rights and voice their concerns.
The unique and dynamic aspect of Collaborative Law is that the parties agree not to litigate. By removing the threat of a courtroom battle, there is less maneuvering, manipulating, and animosity. Collaborative law is not legally binding. However, the attorneys are ethically bound to abide by the agreement. If the couple truly comes to an impasse, they would have to hire other attorneys to represent them in litigation. (Which means a longer divorce and further drain on the couple’s assets.)
It is the initial commitment to resolution that makes it work. The Law Office of Douglas B. Warlick is excited to employ this fresh approach – but it may not be for everyone. Contact Geneva Collaborative Law attorney Doug Warlick to arrange a discounted initial consultation. After listening to your circumstances, he can advise the best approach to your divorce case.
