Collaborative Law Services in Lewisville, TX

Collaborative Law for North Texas, with offices in Frisco, Lewisville, and Flower Mound

Adoption cases are among the most important cases that we handle as everyone wants to ensure the child goes to a good and safe home.

Child Custody and Child Support cases are decided by the court with the desires of the child and what is in the best interest of the child as the most important factors.

Child Protective Services has the power by law to “take possession of a child without a court order.” They would only be forced to remove the child or children if there is an immediate danger to the physical health or safety of the child or if the child has been a victim of sexual abuse.

Estate Planning covers a wider array of important decisions which may include wills, trusts, and  guardianship. 

1. The Commitment

Collaborative Law is a process whereby both parties and counsel commit themselves to resolving their differences fairly, without resort or threat of resort to the courts. The process allows the couple to work out their divorce issues by agreement, while avoiding courtroom brawls and the formal discovery process.

Collaborative Law relies on an atmosphere of honesty, cooperation, integrity and professionalism geared toward the future well being of the family.

Collaborative Law engages in informal discussions and conferences to settle all issues.

Collaborative Law requires each party and each attorney to take a reasoned position on all issues. Where such positions, differ, all participants use their best efforts to create proposals that meet the fundamental needs of both parties and, if necessary, to compromise to reach a settlement of all issues.

2. Trust and Verify Approach

Your lawyer and your spouse’s lawyer will determine what the parties have in the way of assets and income using an informal “trust and verify” approach, rather than engaging in expensive legal procedures to obtain that information. Spouses are asked to disclose this information voluntarily and to verify it with documentation and tax returns.

3. Is the Process for You?

Would you benefit from:

• A calmer, friendlier resolution of the issues of your divorce.
• The possibility of friendship with your partner down the road.
• Maintaining the best opportunity for co-parenting your children together.
• Protecting your children from the harmful effects of litigating dispute-resolution between parents.
• Maintaining a common circle of friends and extended family with your former spouse.
• Keeping private your personal affairs and avoiding the details of your personal situation being available in the public court record.
• Maintaining control of decision-making and not being forced to allow decisions about restructuring your financial and/or child-rearing arrangements to a stranger (i.e. a judge).
• Offering creative self-styled solutions to your particular situation.

4. The Downside

The process is not for everyone, however. If you cannot commit yourself to resolving your differences fairly, (i.e. if you are determined to angrily vent and attack your spouse) this concept is not for you.

5. What Happens If A Settlement Cannot Be Reached?

If the parties are unable to reach a settlement through the collaborative process, the collaborative lawyers must, as a matter of law, withdraw from the case. The parties are free to retain trial attorneys to pursue the matter in court.