NAVIGATING DIVORCE AND SEPARATION ARRANGEMENTS WITHOUT THE COURTS DURING COVID-19

Around our region, separating, divorcing and divorced parents are currently in a very difficult bind.Closing or restricting family law courts during the pandemic does not change the immediate need for these parents to reach agreement on parenting time schedules, safety measures for children or financial arrangements following a separation.   Specially trained family law professionals in The Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and the North Dakota Collaborative Law Group help parents respectfully navigate divorce and parenting time arrangements without having to go to court through a process called Collaborative Practice.  Lack of access to courts is not an issue as Collaborative Practice is a longstanding alternative to court-based divorce processes.

 

Collaborative professionals have found that initiating a divorce process as well as handling post-decree issues can effectively be done in a virtual meeting place.  Most Collaborative practitioners provide virtual meeting options while complying with social distancing guidelines.  Divorce decrees, parenting plans, customized agreements and related legal documentation can be electronically filed with the courts.

 

Collaborative Practice Highlights:

  • The entire process is legally and ethically done outside of court
  • The result of the process is customized to the particular needs of a divorcing couple and/or family
  • Clients can build a team of Collaboratively trained attorneys, neutral financial experts, mediators and mental health professionals (coaches and child/family specialists) who focus on problem solving and dispute resolution
  • Collaborative professionals can offer specialized ala carte services in specific areas of particular need for clients, e.g., financial plans, parenting plans, conflict resolution, preparation and review of legal documents, and more.

“Collaborative Practice is a respectful, child-centered and often cost-effective process for people going through separation or divorce,” says Jennifer Morris, founder of Daisy Camp, a highly-regarded divorce support resource.  “I value the focus on problem solving rather than escalating conflict.”

 

The Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and the North Dakota Collaborative Law Group are nonprofit organizations focused on transforming the way families divorce by helping them create customized solutions and stay out of court. For more information or to find a Collaborative professional near you visit www.collaborativelaw.org (CLI) or www.nddivorce.com (NDCLG)