Finding The Right Attorney For Your Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is considered new territory for many lawyers in the United States, even for those who have been practicing for years. Due to its unconventional, less formal and flexible terms, it cannot be understated that the importance of a trusted and credible attorney is crucial. Finding the right legal representative could mean the difference between a civil, peaceful divorce and a messy litigation battle.
Unlike other family law cases, collaborative divorce involves both parties working together to resolve their issues, such as those concerning child custody, property division, support and alimony, without going to court. The process is similar to mediation but occurs over a period of time, rather than trying to decide every issue in a matter of hours. The collaborative process might also include other neutral parties, such as mental health professionals and financial professionals, divorce coaches, and child specialists.
Seek Help From An Experienced Attorney
Not all divorce attorneys practice or have training in the collaborative divorce process. The collaborative divorce process gives spouses many more options than what might be available in the courtroom. The judicial system can be adversarial, placing parties directly against each other. In litigation, judges and attorneys are also rigidly bound by rules of procedure, evidence and the family code.
Attorneys who only practice litigation may focus more on the limited potential outcomes that are available at a public hearing or trial in a competitive setting. Collaborative divorce lawyers, on the other hand, work toward compromises that provide for mutual benefit, with a focus on assisting spouses in resolving matters in a healthy and productive way.
Important Qualifications To Consider
- Locally trusted: Selecting a divorce lawyer is a very personal decision. It can be best to select someone you feel comfortable speaking to and whom you can easily reach when you have questions or concerns.
- Honest in communication: Collaborative divorce involves building open communication between both spouses. Hiring an attorney who can properly represent you and who you can confide in and trust can truly improves the process.
- Cost-effective: The collaborative divorce process can be affordable compared to the traditional litigation method. A lawyer looking out for your best interests can help you save on the cost of your divorce.
- Experience in collaborative divorce and family law: Attorneys who have experience in the collaborative divorce process and in the traditional family law litigation sphere can better advise you on your options and what may be best for your family.
Contact An Attorney Who Will Look Out For You
There are hundreds of divorce lawyers in the state of Texas. Searching for an attorney that is truly concerned about the welfare of you and your family can be a good starting point on the road to divorce. Alicia Lackey of the Lackey Law Firm, P.C., is not only a collaborative divorce professional, but also a litigator who works hard to protect the rights and needs of her clients.
To schedule a consultation with us, call our offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, and Fredericksburg today at 888-705-0307. You may also schedule an appointment by filling out an online contact form.
Main office is located in Austin, Texas. All office locations are staffed by appointment only.