Collaborative Law

Greater Danbury Collaborative Divorce Law 

Collaborative divorce law is a dignified, cooperative approach between parting couples and their lawyers to negotiating and settling issues arising from a family separation without going to court. The goal of collaborative divorce law is to minimize the emotional and financial damage to parting spouses and their children by addressing the parties unique problems and issues in a calm and thoughtful manner. We, at Collins, Hannafin, are committed to providing our clients with a dignified and effective alternative to the adversarial divorce process.

Collaborative practice provides a process in which divorcing or separating couples may interact with each other respectfully, avoid court interference, emphasize the needs of the children and utilize creative problem solving approach and interest based negotiating. Collaborative practice is often less costly and less stressful than litigation. The parties maintain control of the issues and outcomes. The process is also less time consuming than litigation.

Each party agrees to work with an attorney who has special training in the collaborative divorce law process. Both parties and their lawyers sign a contract committing them to participate in a respectful process resulting in an out of court settlement. Both parties agree to freely and fully exchange all relevant information and to seek solutions that are mutually acceptable. The goal in a collaborative process is to develop effective relationships among the participants, employ creative problem solving and prevent expensive contested litigation. Collaborative practice provides for negotiations in four-way meetings where both parties and their respective attorneys are present. The four-way meeting allows each spouse to explore the issues that are important to him or her in a safe and informative environment with the protection of his or her lawyer. Face to face meetings allow the parties to actively participate in creating solutions rather than leaving the responsibility in the hands of other people.

Lawyers in a collaborative practice act as communication and negotiation coaches while advising their clients about their legal rights, entitlements and obligations. The lawyers agree at the outset of the process not to take part in any litigation that may occur if an agreement is not reached so that all of their time and effort is focused on settlement rather than posturing or preparing for court hearings. No time is wasted in court and everyone, including the lawyers, are focused on creating a legal agreement which addresses the unique needs and concerns of each party.

Collaborative practice also provides an opportunity to bring other professionals into the process when appropriate. Child specialists, divorce coaches or neutral financial consultants, who are trained in collaborative practice, can be consulted throughout the process to address concerns in a creative manner.

We, at Collins, Hannafin, understand that divorce is a difficult and painful process for all involved. Often, contested litigation makes the divorce process worse for families. Collaborative divorce law is a strong effort to focus on creative problem solving in a safe and protected environment. We offer exceptional collaborative practice services. Some of our lawyers are members of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, which is an international organization of collaboratively trained and committed lawyers, mental health professionals and financial specialists. Visit the website at www.collaborativepractice.com. Some of our lawyers are also members of the Collaborative Divorce Team of Connecticut composed of Fairfield County lawyers, mental health professionals and financial consultants practicing collaborative law together. Visit the website at www.collaborativedivorceteamct.org for more information and please see our Collaborative Law - FAQ page on collaborative law for more information.

Our collaborative law attorneys include Eva DeFranco and Robert Opotzner. Please visit our frequently asked questions page on collaborative law for more information.