Bloomfield Hills Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Collaborative Divorce Attorney in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Divorce can be tough, especially if you have a lot of different assets or need to discuss matters such as child custody. Collaborative divorces are a way to make the process easier, especially if you can negotiate easily with your spouse. If you are seeking to get a collaborative divorce in Michigan, a Bloomfield Hills collaborative divorce lawyer can provide detailed guidance and knowledgeable counsel.

Trust the Team at Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon

We at Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon have extensive experience in a variety of cases relating to family law, including Collaborative divorce. When you work with us, can have someone experienced by your side to handle your case with the utmost care. We have many years of experience in collaborative divorce and other alternative dispute resolutions (ADR).

Why Should I Hire a Collaborative Divorce Lawyer in Bloomfield Hills?

When you hire a Collaborative divorce lawyer in Bloomfield, ideally, you will be working with someone who has a strong background in family law and divorce. The right Collaborative divorce lawyer will also have extensive knowledge of local Collaborative divorce laws and experience in cases like yours. During a consultation, you can share the details of your Collaborative divorce case as well as any questions you may have about the process.

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

A Collaborative divorce is a process of divorce that is based on negotiation between spouses with coaching from their respective attorneys and often, a financial and/or mental health specialist to clarify and smooth out bumps along the way. Spouses can discuss their case with each other in setting that feels safe to resolve the various issues brought on by a divorce, such as child custody or property division. Collaborative divorces are a more evolved way to resolve certain disputes without having to go through a lengthy litigation process.

Collaborative divorce is a relatively new practice, with the Michigan Uniform Collaborative Law Act being enacted in December 2014. This law applies solely to family matters, including divorce. The act outlines minimum standards for those participating to facilitate full disclosure of all information.

The Michigan divorce rate in 2023 was on the lower end compared to the rest of the country, with 2.2 divorces per 1,000 people in the state. The rate for divorces based on sex is also similar, with 4.8 divorces per 1,000 people initiated by women and 4.9 divorces per 1,000 people initiated by men. Oakland County’s divorce rate is lower compared to the rest of the state, with 3.7 divorces per 1,000 people in 2023.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

There are many benefits to the Collaborative divorce process. For one, spouses can arrive at creative settlements that can allow them to move on at a faster or slower rate than the court system permits. They also won’t have to go to court because disputes can be resolved through a series of meetings. The Collaborative divorce approach encourages good-faith negotiation and communication that can allow spouses to end their union amicably.

Collaborative divorces that involve child custody are family-centered. This means that both parents of a child or children are the decision makers in custody deliberations, rather than a judge, who will inevitably have insufficient information about your family to fully grasp from first-hand experience the best interests of the children from their parents’ point of view. Both parents can reach a custody agreement that works for them and their children. A successful Collaborative divorce process can also form the basis for resolving any disputes that arise later with co-parenting.

How It Works

The Collaborative divorce process begins with both spouses and their attorneys signing an agreement not to go to court. Once that is complete, the spouses, their attorneys, and other neutral parties, such as mediators or financial advisors, go through a series of meetings. During these meetings, the spouses will be negotiating solutions to their divorce issues, including property division and childcare.

The goal of a Collaborative divorce is to amicably settle any disputes that may come up in the process. In a successful case, both spouses are satisfied with the resolution. After the process is complete, each spouse will go their separate ways. Ideally, the Collaborative divorce process will be resolved in a mutually respectful manner that has lasting, positive result. The use of professional neutrals such as financial planners and child specialists lay a foundation for appropriate communication between the divorced couples long after the process is over.

FAQs

What Are the 3 C’s of Divorce?

The three C’s of divorce are communication, compromise, and cooperation. When you are going through the process of divorce, whether it is Collaborative or not, these three elements are important to keep in mind. Communicating, being open to compromise, and cooperating with your spouse and their legal team can make the process easier for everyone involved.

What Is a Collaborative Divorce?

A Collaborative divorce is a relatively new divorce resolution process that focuses on negotiation. Those who undergo Collaborative divorces can work together to resolve certain disputes without having to go through litigation at the 48^th District Court. This kind of divorce is ideal for spouses who are on good terms with each other. This process focuses on the needs of each spouse and their children, if they have any.

What Type of Lawyer Is Ideal for Divorce?

Collaborative divorce lawyers are professionally trained in the process through organizations such as the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan and the International Association of Collaborative Professionals. The ideal lawyer for divorce is one who has extensive experience with cases like yours. A Bloomfield Hills Collaborative divorce attorney has detailed knowledge of this process, so the ideal Collaborative divorce lawyer should have that knowledge, training, and experience in these cases. The ideal divorce lawyer can answer any questions you may have regarding the process and can use their knowledge to advocate for you in the courtroom.

What Are the Downsides of Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative divorce cannot work if one or both spouses cannot talk peaceably with each other and agree on key issues. This is often the case if there is debilitating substance use, untreated mental health issues, or domestic abuse. The key to a successful Collaborative divorce is for both spouses to be open to collaboration and compromise by way of a workable level of mutual trust. Collaborative divorce can be better for couples who are on relatively good terms and have few problems communicating with each other.

Hire a Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

If you are looking for an easier way to go through a divorce, then collaborative divorce may be an appealing option. If you do decide to go through this process with your spouse, it is important to hire the right collaborative divorce lawyer. We at Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C., can provide knowledgeable counsel on your collaborative divorce case. For a consultation with the team, contact our office in Bloomfield Hills.