Are you looking to negotiate a settlement in cooperatively and amicably? Collaborative law allows Columbia, MD residents to negotiate any issue arising from a legal dispute in a civil manner outside of the courtroom. This process is considered particularly useful in cases of divorce throughout Columbia, especially when children are involved. This form of negotiation allows both parties added control over the legal process so that you can resolve your legal differences together through negotiation and compromise.
If you are interested in collaborative law representation to resolve the issues of your dispute, even if you or the other side has already filed in court, please contact Mary Ellen Flynn of Andalman & Flynn, P.C. to learn more. Mary Ellen Flynn is a trained, experienced attorney, as well as a founding, and still active, member of the Board of Directors of Maryland Collaborative Dispute Resolution Professionals, Inc. with extensive experience in the field.
The Collaborative Law Process in Columbia, MD
The collaborative law process in Columbia puts you and the other side—the parties with the most at risk—in charge of all decision-making, so that you may determine the most fair and appropriate solutions for your unique situations together.
In order to successfully use collaborative law to resolve your issues in the Columbia area, both you and the other party must agree in writing:
- That any exchange of information will be complete and honest, allowing for fully-informed decision-making
- Not to file in court during the collaborative process; and, should either side file in court, then each Columbia-area collaborative law attorney must withdraw representation and cannot represent their respective clients in the court proceeding
- To engage in open, yet confidential, communication
- To work in a collaborative way toward a written agreement on all issues related to your dispute without resorting to court intervention
Collaborative Divorce for Family Law Cases in Columbia
Collaborative law is particularly appealing in situations related to divorce such as:
- Custody
- Visitation
- Child support
- Alimony
- And division of property.
This is primarily because the collaborative divorce process offers a foundation for cooperation and respect in the future as well as the present, which is particularly important to protecting the best interests of your children.
When negotiating a collaborative divorce or family law settlement in Columbia, MD, the process is similar to that of general disputes outlined above. Take note, though, that divorced parties are also required to exchange complete financial information to ensure the best decisions are made.
How Does Collaborative Law Work for Columbia Residents?
The First Step: Collaborative Agreement
In Columbia, MD, the collaborative law process begins when you and the other side agree to resolve your case outside of court litigation. Then, you each meet with and retain a Columbia collaborative law attorney who will give you legal advice and address your individual needs and concerns to protect your best interests as negotiations are made.
The Second Step: Collaborative Negotiation
Following your agreement to collaborate, all parties and their respective attorneys participate in a series of 4-way meetings aimed at crafting a resolution to suit each of your needs and concerns, as well as those of your children if you’re negotiating a collaborative divorce. In the event that both sides decide additional information is needed from experts, they decide together which experts to select and include in the collaborative law process.
The Third Step: Collaborative Resolution
Throughout the collaborative law process in Columbia, you and the other party have ultimate decision-making power. However, you will each have the protection of your own attorneys who can give you legal advice and advocate for balance and positive results on your behalf.
By committing to the collaborative law process, both you and the other side are agreeing to work out your differences in the manner that best suits you both, while still receiving the expert advice of an attorney.
This is an important step toward finding an amicable resolution of your dispute; it establishes cooperative and respectful communication between both sides, which is essential if you will need to continue communication in the future, as is often the case in a collaborative divorce involving children.
Schedule a Consult with Our Columbia Collaborative Law Attorneys
It’s important to note, however, that collaborative law also requires a greater commitment on each party’s behalf to work toward a mutual settlement, since your attorneys must stop representation if either of you files in court for a litigated resolution. If you want to use collaborative law to settle a legal dispute in the Columbia, MD area, make sure you’re ready to resolve your conflicts amicably! The attorneys at Andalman & Flynn can help you do so with our collaborative law service in Columbia, MD.
We have a record of success in all aspects of family law throughout Prince George’s and Howard County, including Columbia. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!