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301 Oxford Valley, Suite 1902A, Yardley, PA 19067

Bucks County Collaborative Divorce Lawyers

Cooperative process avoids court and preserves privacy

collaborative_divorceCollaborative divorce law is a type of alternative dispute resolution that enables separating parties to work together to draft a marital settlement agreement. Divorce attorney Jennifer Courtney has formal training in collaborative divorce law and is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. From our Yardley location, The Law Offices of Jennifer Courtney & Associates, P.C. offers collaborative divorce services to couples in and around Bucks County.

Explaining how collaborative law works in Pennsylvania

Collaborative divorce allows parties the opportunity to maintain greater control over the marital dissolution process. Each retains an attorney who commits to the collaborative process. That means the attorney is precluded from participating in any subsequent litigation related to the divorce. The parties and their attorneys work cooperatively to fashion a marital settlement agreement that resolves all of their ancillary issues.  The parties can retain experts, such as accountants, mental health practitioners or financial professionals, to advise on particular aspects of the settlement.

When the couple reaches a settlement, their attorneys formalize the agreement. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, they can withdraw from collaboration and litigate their divorce, but they must start over again with new counsel. This caveat provides a strong incentive to commit all the way to the collaborative process.

When is collaborative divorce the right choice?

Collaborative divorce can only work for parties who retain a degree of trust for the other party, feel free to communicate and are capable of working cooperatively. In cases where there is extreme hostility or a history of domestic abuse, this process is not likely to work. For parties who are candidates for a collaborative divorce, there are several attractive aspects, including:

  • Parties enjoy a greater degree of privacy.
  • Couples are able to avoid contentious court proceedings.
  • Parents can cooperate in the best interests of their children, setting a positive foundation for co-parenting after divorce.
  • Parties can achieve manageable compromises rather than risk an adverse ruling from a judge.

Our experienced Bucks County divorce attorneys can help make the divorce process easier and more productive.

Protecting your privacy by avoiding court hearings

Collaborative divorce allows parties to avoid a public disclosure of aspects of their marriage that they would prefer to remain private, such as the reasons for divorce or the details of finances. These sensitive topics are only discussed behind closed doors by the parties and their counsel.

Let us guide you through the collaborative divorce process

Collaborative divorce is about cooperation and control. By working together, you and your estranged spouse keep control over all the issues of your divorce. Call The Law Offices of Jennifer Courtney & Associates, P.C. today at 215.493.3360 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.