Carmel & Indianapolis Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Divorce Mediation Services in Indiana
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution, which allows a couple to
amicably go their separate ways. Collaborative divorce is a process by
which couples work through issues of child custody, parenting time, division
of financial assets and payment of marital bills and expenses through
non-litigation techniques guided by specially-trained, experienced
family law attorneys with the assistance, if necessary, of collaboratively trained
professionals, such as child and financial specialists. Divorce doesn't
have to be emotionally or financially draining, and mediation proves that.
Over the years, we, the skilled legal team of Carmel divorce mediation
lawyers at
Hollingsworth Roberts Means, have noticed an upward trend for divorcing couples to choose mediation
as a way to settle their divorce.
We encourage couples to explore this option first before resorting to costly
and stressful court battles, which can be draining on children as well
as family members. Drawing from our vast experience managing high-conflict
family issues, we are equipped to provide effective representation in
complex divorce mediation & collaborative law matters.
Is Collaborative Divorce Right for Me?
The collaborative model is designed to assist divorcing spouses work through
their disputes constructively and peacefully. This allows both parties
to move forward as individuals with dignity and respect without the post-traumatic
stress that often accompanies
divorce.
The collaborative practice requires both parties to provide full disclosure
of all relevant issues and facts involving the children, as well as a
full disclosure of all financial assets and liabilities. Both parties
exchange all information and documentation necessary to make informed
decisions regarding custody, parenting time, and division of the marital
estate. Moreover, each party is given the time necessary to process, evaluate,
and apply the information to his/her individual circumstances. Through
collaboration and communication, parties are able to resolve their differences
in such a way that is beneficial to both.
Collaborative dissolution is for anyone who doesn't want to ruin his/her
life by divorce. Divorce is never a happy experience, but collaborative
practice makes it as good as it can be. If you are interested in collaborative
divorce, call any member of our collaborative team.
We will be glad to answer any questions, and help you decide whether collaborative
divorce is right for you! Call our Carmel & Indianapolis collaborative
divorce lawyers at
(888) 211-3888 today!
Benefits of Divorce Mediation/Collaborative Divorce in Indiana
As your collaborative divorce attorney in Carmel and Indianapolis, our job at
Hollingsworth Roberts Means is to facilitate an environment that encourages respectful communication
between all involved parties. We personally walk you through the process,
helping to make this transition as smooth as possible. Collaborative divorce
is an increasingly popular method of negotiation, due to the mutually
beneficial outcome it facilitates.
The advantages of family law mediation also include the following:
- A more private setting to settle your divorce
- Receive a more hands-on approach to your divorce
- Saves you time and money in comparison to a traditional divorce
- Avoid having to go through a public court battle
Time. Couples who decide to divorce do not make the decision quickly. It has
been a long-term process that has involved a lot of thought and discussion.
Once the decision to divorce has finally been made, many clients are disappointed
at the length of time it can take to resolve the dissolution action and
finally be divorced. In litigation cases, the parties are subject to the
court's calendar. Divorce cases are often set several months in advance,
and then may be continued if set behind other civil cases and criminal
jury cases. The delay in actually getting to court may have a negative
financial and/or emotional impact on the parties.
In collaborative cases, the parties schedule their meetings at times that
suit their schedules. They produce documents and records and respond to
inquiries informally during 4-way meetings (parties and counsel) with
open dialogue. There are no time restraints, and the parties are free
to work through the dissolution or post-dissolution issues on their timetable.
A view of the whole picture. In a litigation-track divorce, parties work independently of one another,
and his/her case is developed from information that he/she knows or has
specifically requested from the other party. In such cases, parties do
not always see the broad picture until they are close to, or at, trial.
In collaborative cases, the parties meet in 4-way meetings, and open dialogue
is encouraged so that parties and counsel understand all of the issues.
This open dialogue saves time in that cases are developed with all pertinent
facts known. It also saves attorney fees in that formal discovery requests
(Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents) are not necessary.
Parties who know the whole picture are able to carefully consider the
information and make informed decisions about their future.
Command your own destiny. It is true that a party may "command his own destiny" in litigation
track cases through settlement negotiation and alternative dispute resolution
(ADR), i.e. mediation. However, in litigation track, such negotiations
and ADR occurs toward the final stages of the case, and often just before
the trial setting. And if a case is not settled prior to trial, it is
subjected to the Court for complete decision making. When a case is tried,
the parties have no control over the court's decisions, as those decisions
are at the discretion of the court. In collaborative cases, parties begin
4-way meetings right away and decisions can be made during the process
after presentation and collaboration of the facts and issues. The collaborative
process allows the parties to have a say in their future and the future
of their children from the very beginning.
Maintain respect and civility. Parents who are divorced are forever linked to the ex-spouse. They will
see each other at times such as sporting events, graduations, weddings,
and grandchildren's birthday parties. Parents who are respectful and civil
are often welcomed by the children at these events, while parents who
are bitter and angry are not.
Collaborative practice allows the parties to divorce in such a way that
respect and civility is maintained. The parties jointly make decisions
about custody, parenting time and division of debts and assets, but they
also discuss communication techniques and "rules of the game,"
such as when significant others will be introduced to the children, same/similar
parenting rules, punishment guidelines and commitments to avoid negative
statements about the other in the presence of the children.
Save money. Last, but certainly not least, is the savings of attorney fees and litigation
costs. Collaborative practice does require legal services such as conferences
with clients, attendance at 4-way meetings, review of financial documentation
and information, preparation of summaries and proposals, and preparation
of final Agreements and Decrees. However, there are many costs that are
not incurred, such as deposition fees, exhibit preparation (only for the
hearing to be continued and exhibits are redone at a later date), custody
evaluations, discovery requests, and expert witness fees.
If "experts" are needed, collaboratively trained professionals
(i.e. child and financial specialists) are engaged as neutrals to work
with the parties to resolve issues. The costs related to these specialists
are, more often than not, less expensive than hiring an expert witness
such as a custody evaluator or a forensic accountant.
The time effectiveness of collaborative practice results in financial savings
to the parties because marital bills and expenses are addressed early
in the process. Parties often save money to service credit card debt and
marital residence expenses during the divorce process because collaborative
cases can be finalized sooner than the matter can be tried and resolved
by judicial decree.
Minimizing Conflict So You Can Move On With Your Life
If you are interested in mediation, our firm can guide you through the
entire process, step by step. We will carefully listen to your needs,
provide you with reliable counsel, and negotiate on your behalf. We will
communicate directly with your spouse's attorney and ensure that your
rights and interests are always protected. We will do whatever it takes to
help you walk away with the positive case outcome you desire. When you choose to retain our firm's legal services, you can feel confident
in knowing your matter is in good hands.
Collaborative Law: Enabling More Peaceful Divorce Negotiations
A collaborative divorce is an excellent option for two individuals who
are ready to end a marriage, but want to do so in as peaceful a manner
as possible. Through thoughtful negotiations, both spouses can reach an
agreement that is mutually beneficial, without the added stressor of the
presence of a judge or divorce court. During a collaborative divorce,
your Carmel & Indianapolis collaborative divorce attorney is responsible
for facilitating negotiations, ensuring that all legal requirements are
met as assets are divided,
child custody is negotiated, and
spousal support terms are set.
What are the benefits of working with a Indiana collaborative divorce attorney?
- Settling your divorce without the stress and expense of court
- Maintaining a level of mutual respect between all parties
- Higher level of protection for any children involved
- Personally negotiate settlements, increasing the likelihood that the final
agreement will be mutually beneficial
- Gentle direction by your attorney for each settlement meeting, increasing
productivity
Discuss the Details of Your Divorce Mediation Matter in IN
If this is the first time you have ever heard of mediation, you probably
have a few questions about how it works and what you can expect. This
is why we warmly encourage you to request an initial consultation with
our Carmel & Indianapolis collaborative divorce lawyers at your earliest
convenience. We proudly serve families in Carmel, Indianapolis, and throughout
Central Indiana.
Please
contact us today at
(888) 211-3888 for more information about how our Carmel divorce mediation lawyers can
assist you.