Negotiated Settlement
Negotiated settlement is a dispute resolution method whereby an action that has been started in court is resolved outside of the court system. If a spouse has already filed for divorce, it is still possible to come to an amicable resolution by having your attorneys reach an agreement that will satisfy you both, reduce the conflict between you, and meet not only your own needs as part of a long term co-parenting relationship, but even more importantly, those of your children.
Since it is the conflict, rather than the fact that you are making two homes that hurts children, parents who are modeling cooperation and civility even during periods of high stress and change can do much to reduce the negative impact of the separation or divorce.
Choosing collaboratively-trained attorneys, even if a couple is not working in the interdisciplinary collaborative process, gives the best chance of a successful resolution based on the couple’s or family’s needs and priorities rather than those of the court.