Collaborative Law Information Center

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Frequently Asked Questions about Collaborative Law

Q: What is collaborative law?

A: Collaborative law is a relatively new way to resolve disputes by removing a matter from the courtroom setting and focusing on problem solving rather than traditional legal proceedings. The collaborative law process recognizes that in a traditional divorce case the costs can be quite high, both financially and emotionally.

Q: Is the collaborative law approach used in areas besides family law?

A: Yes, in many areas of the country collaborative groups are developing processes to be used in other areas of the law such as disputes in business, probate, environmental, personal injury, employment and corporation law.

Many people who find themselves at the brink of a legal problem think twice before entering the fray because they realize how lengthy, expensive and damaging a lawsuit can become. If you are one of those who would rather "switch than fight," consulting with an attorney experienced in Collaborative Law from can help you decide how to proceed.

Helping People Resolve Disputes Through Collaborative Law in Northern Kentucky

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One of the best ways that you and your spouse can reach an agreement that is favorable and meets both of your needs is to sit down and work through these differences together. At the Law Offices of Jan Kreutzer, I focus a great deal of my practice on collaborative law. It is an area of the law which encourages parties to work together to create solutions to their problems outside of court. In any divorce or family disputes, it is usually best when the parties who have the most at stake make these important decisions — not a family court judge who only knows what is discussed in court. For more information about collaborative law in any dispute, contact me at my Newport, Kentucky, office for a free initial consultation, or read more about it below.

Collaborative Law - An Overview

Over the years and in many situations people have resolved their conflicts by being cooperative, open, honest, forth-coming and willing to listen to the other side's reasoning. Collaborative law builds on this history to provide a holistic approach to resolving disputes.

Collaborative Divorce

The most significant developments in collaborative law have been in the family law arena. In fact, many people talking about "collaborative law" are actually referring to collaborative divorce.

The Comprehensive Law Movement

Collaborative Law is often referred to as one component of the comprehensive law movement. The comprehensive law movement views law from a comprehensive, holistic perspective. Rather than simply looking at what is going on in this particular case, the comprehensive law view looks at the facts in their context and attempts to see beyond the immediate, short-term outcome to the long-term effects that may come out of the case. Addressing issues that the comprehensive law movement brings forth gives attorneys and their clients more arrows in their quiver.

History and Development of Collaborative Law

As in many fields, the development of collaborative law practice has been based on bottom line issues. That is, litigation has become increasingly expensive, monetarily and in other more indirect ways. Indirect costs include loss of productivity when employees are taken from their jobs to prepare for and testify at trial, loss of morale, and damage to valuable business relationships. The advantage of taking a collaborative law approach to resolving legal disputes have become obvious to both attorneys and their clients.

Collaborative Law Practice Areas

Most proponents of collaborative law agree that its defining element is the participants' commitment to avoid court intervention. It is conceivable that no area of the law would be barred from developing alternatives to dispute-resolution through non-litigious means.

Collaborative Law Resource Links

The Divorce Help Line
This website is produced by attorneys who practice solely in California, however, it has helpful insights into easing the conflict during the divorce process.

Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation
This website promotes the study and understanding of conflict and intervention processes from the perspective that a dispute can become a transformative process.

Resolution Works
This website provides information and education about the high costs of conflict and the advantages of resolving conflict without litigation.