An Alternative to the Court Process

Increasingly, couples today are seeking a more constructive, less combative way to accomplish the life-changing process of divorce. For them, the collaborative law process has been a welcome alternative to traditional courtroom divorce litigation. The collaborative divorce process promotes respect, places the needs of children first, and gives the spouses greater control over the process and outcomes by providing information resources that are not readily available through other divorce resolution.

The Darwish Law Offices, P.C., invites you to explore the collaborative law process as a way to help you make a healthy transition from one stage of life to the next.

What Is Collaborative Law?

Minnesota attorney Stu Webb developed the collaborative law process as an alternative for spouses who wanted to divorce cooperatively, face-to-face, without going to court but with the help and guidance of a knowledgeable attorney who could provide structure to the process. Webb defines collaborative law as “the art and practice of settling cases with legal counsel, but without court intervention at any stage.”

Although the collaborative process can follow several models, it is distinguished from traditional litigation by certain core elements:

• Take your divorce at your own pace and with your own style - no courts, no crowds, no lines! 
• Negotiation of a mutually acceptable settlement without a court deciding the issues for the couple
• Resolution in a comfortable, respectful environment and with the support of specially trained attorneys and collaborative law professionals who are committed to guiding the two parties toward a well-reasoned settlement
• Open, honest communication and information sharing in private meetings between clients and their own lawyer, and in round-table meetings with the parties and their lawyers, and other neutral collaborative professionals.
• Access to a variety of professionals such as divorce coaches, financial specialists or child specialists to help the couple reach the best decision
• Create shared solutions that take into account the highest priorities of both spouses, and

To learn more about the collaborative process and whether it meets the needs of your family, please review the information provided on this website and contact the Darwish Law Offices, P.C., in Syracuse to schedule an initial consultation.