Protect Your Family With Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce in Litchfield offers a respectful, non-adversarial way to resolve disputes without going to court.

When you choose collaborative divorce in Litchfield, you and your spouse each hire your own attorney, but instead of preparing for trial, everyone signs an agreement to work together toward a settlement. The process involves a series of meetings where both parties, their attorneys, and sometimes other professionals like financial advisors or child specialists work through custody, property division, and support issues in a structured, cooperative setting.

Law Office of Stephanie M. Weaver, LLC supports collaborative divorce as a way to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting privacy and maintaining family relationships. The approach is particularly effective for families with shared parenting goals, and it is grounded in collaborative divorce practices used throughout Connecticut. You control the outcome instead of leaving decisions to a judge.

If you want to keep your divorce out of court while still having your own attorney, contact us to explore collaborative divorce options in Litchfield.

How the Collaborative Process Works in Practice

Collaborative divorce in Litchfield begins when both spouses and their attorneys sign a participation agreement committing to settle the case without going to court. You then schedule a series of four-way meetings where both parties and both attorneys are present to discuss issues, share information, and negotiate solutions. Additional professionals may join the meetings if needed to address financial planning, property valuation, or parenting concerns.

Once you reach a full agreement, the attorneys draft the necessary documents and submit them to the court for approval. Because the process is cooperative, you avoid the delays, public hearings, and escalating conflict that often accompany litigation.

Collaborative divorce requires full financial disclosure from both parties and a commitment to problem-solving rather than positioning for trial. If either spouse decides to litigate, both attorneys must withdraw, and new counsel must be retained. This structure encourages cooperation and discourages tactics that prolong the process or increase hostility.

What people want to know about the collaborative approach

Families considering collaborative divorce often ask how it differs from mediation, what happens if negotiations fail, and whether it is legally binding. These questions help clarify whether the process is right for their situation.

If you want to resolve your divorce through cooperation rather than conflict, Law Office of Stephanie M. Weaver, LLC offers collaborative divorce services in Litchfield with a focus on protecting your family's future. Contact us to discuss whether this approach fits your needs.

What is the difference between collaborative divorce and mediation?
In mediation, one neutral mediator guides both spouses through negotiations. In collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney advocating for them, but everyone agrees to work toward settlement without going to court. You get legal representation while avoiding litigation.
How long does collaborative divorce take?
Most collaborative divorces in Connecticut are completed in four to six months, depending on the complexity of your finances and custody arrangements. The timeline is controlled by the parties, not the court calendar.
What happens if we cannot reach an agreement?
If negotiations break down and either party chooses to litigate, both collaborative attorneys must withdraw from the case. You would then hire new attorneys and proceed through the traditional court process.
Why do both attorneys have to withdraw if the case goes to court?
The withdrawal requirement is part of the participation agreement and ensures that both attorneys remain focused on settlement rather than preparing for trial. It also protects the collaborative process from being used as a litigation strategy.
Can we use collaborative divorce if we have complex assets?
Yes. Collaborative divorce works well for complex financial situations because you can bring in financial experts, appraisers, and accountants to help both parties understand and fairly divide assets. These professionals work with both spouses to provide neutral, accurate information.