Houston Collaborative Law Attorney
What Is Collaborative Family Law?
Collaborative law in Texas is a specific process that spouses, partners or ex-spouses may choose to reach a divorce agreement or resolve a post-divorce conflict, such as a child custody dispute.
Under the collaborative process, the parties agree to resolve their conflict or finalize their divorce without the need to resort to a public trial. Although collaborative law keeps the parties out of the courtroom, it is still a very formal process. The parties sign a contract agreeing to use the collaborative process. The spouses and their lawyers also agree that — if the collaborative process doesn't work — the spouses cannot use the same lawyers to litigate the case.
Texas approved the Uniform Collaborative Family Law Act (UCFLA — House Bill 3833), enhancing the practice of collaborative family law in Texas. Our Houston collaborative law lawyers at Myres & Associates, PLLC, have specialized training in collaborative law, are members of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas and Collaborative Lawyers of Houston, and stay up-to-date in the application and interpretation of the Act across Texas.
Pros and Cons of Collaborative Divorce Law
The collaborative divorce process can be an excellent solution for individuals who wish to resolve their affairs privately and minimize the emotional turmoil of divorce. Some of the advantages of collaborative law divorce include:
- Keep assets private from the general public
- Maintain confidentiality about marital property disclosure and division
- Discuss in private accusations of wrongdoing during the marriage
- Work through the divorce negotiation process together with assistance from trained experts
- Create solutions that are more flexible and creative than orders handed down from a judge
- Eliminate bitter disputes about decisions and resolve issues in an open, mature, respectful, honorable forum
- Minimize the trauma on children and everyone involved
- Maintain integrity and promote a healthier post-divorce parenting relationship
- Increase likelihood that everyone will be satisfied with the outcome and increase likelihood that all parties will abide by the agreement
Some people don't need a courtroom and a judge; they just need time and a structure to help them work through the issues.
The decision to use the collaborative law system should not be made lightly. There are situations in which collaborative law is unlikely to work, and your attorney should carefully assess the facts of your case with you before recommending the collaborative law alternative. Circumstances in which collaborative law may not work well include:
- When a spouse has significant untreated mental health issues
- When domestic violence is an issue
- When one or both spouses have a history of secrecy
Our Texas Divorce Lawyers Are Your Advocates — No Matter the System
At the Houston, Texas, family law firm of Myres & Associates, our experienced attorneys place a priority on providing protective and compassionate advocacy for our clients — whether our advocacy occurs within the collaborative law process or in a courtroom.
In the beginning stages of the attorney-client relationship, we will discuss all possible methods of finding a resolution to your divorce or other family law conflict — including collaborative law, mediation, informal negotiations, arbitration and a formal trial on one or more of the issues in your case. In guiding you to a decision about how to proceed, we will encourage you to consider available resources both in terms of finances and time, your own and your ex-spouse's problem-solving styles, and your plans for the future.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Many lawyers may claim they provide collaborative law services. Unfortunately, many of these attorneys understand very little about collaborative law and its unique process. It is important to consult with an experienced Houston collaborative law attorney to ensure you receive knowledgeable, informative advice on which you can base your decisions. Immediate appointments are available with one of our experienced family law attorneys. To schedule a consultation, call 713.581.8167 or toll-free 866.506.1221 or contact us online