Sinclair & Collins, LLC
Attorneys at Law
Phone: (864) 573-7575 ext. 6
Fax: (864) 585-0183
Email: office@dmcjr.com
Physical Address: 302 East St. John Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1853
Spartanburg, SC 29304
What is Collaborative Family Law?
Family conflict, particularly divorce, brings out strong emotions that can become destructive to every member of the family, especially the children. Collaborative Family Law is a process in which parties and their attorneys work cooperatively to negotiate fair settlements WITHOUT court intervention. Collaborative Law provides the benefits of attorney representation to maximize settlement options at lower costs; and minimizes or eliminates the negative economic, social and emotional consequences of having a judge decide the issues. When necessary, Collaborative Law utilizes the skills of financial consultants, child specialists, divorce coaches and mediators to assist the parties in avoiding the negative effects of litigation and insure that everyone works toward the future well-being of all family members.
Which family disputes can be resolved with Collaborative Law?
Separation & Divorce
Non-Marital Relationship Break-up
Child Custody
Guardianship
Spousal and Child Support
Modification of Existing Orders
Division of Property
Why Collaborative Law?
Avoid the Confrontational Courtroom Process – The Collaborative Process focuses on a settlement without the constant threat of “going to court.”
Save Time and Money –The Collaborative Process is generally less time consuming and less costly than litigation.
Stay in Charge –The Collaborative Process is empowering, informative, and less stressful than trying to resolve issues through the traditional court process. You control the proceedings as a part of a settlement team, not the court.
Focus on Children – The Collaborative Process supports the parents’ desire to reduce the harmful impact of family conflict on their children and avoid the potential devastating effects of a legal battle.
IT WORKS! The Collaborative Process works if problem solving is more important than fighting and you want solutions that are fair to all family members.
How Does It Work?
Informal Setting – Issues are resolved through informal 4-party conferences with the future well-being of you and your family as the Number 1 goal.
Cooperative Approach–You are supported and represented by your own lawyer and you can confidently cooperate with your spouse and his/her lawyer to resolving your issues. Both attorneys are concerned about the process, as well as the outcome.
Creative Problem Solving–Team members guide you toward constructive resolution of issues that are tailored to your family’s needs. Your spouse and his/her attorney are treated as part of a settlement team, not as adversaries.
Committed Specialists – Collaborative Family Law utilizes an Interdisciplinary Team, when indicated, in a coordinated effort to assist you in reaching a timely and cost-effective settlement of all issues. Collaborative professionals are committed to finding constructive ways to achieve a settlement that will work best in your case. Their basic philosophy is to focus on a settlement rather than preparation for a trial.
What is Interdisciplinary? How Does it Help?
Collaborative Family Law utilizes Interdisciplinary Team Members, as needed, in a coordinated effort to assist you in reaching a timely and cost-effective settlement of all issues. Members may include:
Collaborative Lawyers – provide skilled family law representation, incorporating effective use of team members, when needed, to help resolve legal issues
Financial Consultants – gather and share pertinent financial information which promotes informed financial decisions leading to settlement and optimal division of assets.
Child Specialists – provide children with an opportunity to express their concerns while providing parents with information to assist them in developing a co-parenting plan and adjustment to divorce.
Divorce Coaches – work with divorcing couples to help defuse charged emotional issues and develop co-parenting strategies and plans. Choose a collaborative lawyer, or collaborative team member, to discuss the details of the process and your options.
Talk with your spouse or opposing party about Collaborative Family Law. Share this brochure with them.
What do I do next:
Choose a collaborative lawyer, or collaborative team member, to discuss the details of the process and your options.
Talk with your spouse or opposing party about Collaborative Family Law. Share this brochure with them.
For further information, contact us at:
David M. Collins, Jr., Esq.
Sinclair and Collins , LLC
302 East St. John Street
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302
Telephone: (864) 573-7575
Fax: (864) 585-0183
Email: office@dmcjr.com