The Collaborative Method
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(940) 387-3776
Denton, Texas
A Creative and Practical Approach
Loveless & Loveless is an advocate for the use of the Collaborative Method in Family Law.
Collaborative Law is a form of dispute resolution which removes the "win at all costs" approach from divorce. In this process, parties and their attorneys contractually agree at the outset to settle their disputes without going to court. Spouses avoid lengthy-and costly-"discovery" by agreeing to disclose and exchange all information required to make sensible and fair decisions.
The result: A less emotionally destructive, more dignified divorce that, in some cases, can be less expensive than a litigated divorce.
The difference between litigation and a collaborative divorce lies not only in the outcome, but in what happens along the way.
| Collaborative Law Divorce | Litigation |
| Husbands and wives, assisted by trained attorneys and professionals, work toward solutions. All parties start with the desire to minimize antagonism and reach a settlement. | A "win at all cost" legal system pits lawyer against lawyer, husband against wife. |
| A structured and controlled setting encourages trust and objectivity in the negotiations | Continuing conflict aggravates existing painful emotions. |
| Legal costs can be contained. | Legal costs soar. |
| All parties seek to protect children's feelings and interests. | As the conflict escalates, children suffer. |
| Since there are no public hearings, confidentiality is more easily maintained. | Confidential financial and personal matters become public record and open to scrutiny. |
| Attorneys and spouses have the flexibility to craft more creative property and custodial arrangements. | Judges divide property and establish custodial provisions using standards that may not meet families' particular needs. |
| Negotiations occur in an environment and on a timetable agreed upon by the parties. | Negotiations all too often take place in crowded courthouses under intense pressure. |
| Agreements can be reached more efficiently. | Proceedings may be prolonged. |
| Parties agree to settle at the outset, in a process conducive to helping them heal and move forward. | Most of all cases settle -- but only after the damage has been done and substantial costs have been incurred. |
Meeting Your Interests
Collaborative Law and Other Options for
Dispute Resolution
Darcy Loveless has teamed up with other lawyers and professionals to co-author this Denton County Collaborative Professionals’ publication. This practical guide explains your options and the benefits of the creative and inclusive process known as Collaborative Law.
Meeting Your Interests is available for purchase online or you can pick up your free copy at the offices of Loveless and Loveless, Attorneys at Law, L.P.
Real Results
Loveless & Loveless assisted a partially disabled, stay-at-home mother in negotiating a collaborative divorce from her husband.
The collaborative team worked to craft a creative settlement that allowed her to have adequate cash flow to maintain a reasonable life style while anticipating only part-time work in the future, as her disability was going to prevent most full-time employment. This team reached the settlement in spite of an initial lack of trust between the divorcing spouses and the fact that the only child was already over eighteen, eliminating child support as a way to pay for post-divorce expenses.
In litigation, much of the community money used to reach this settlement would have been spent in court hearings and discovery.*
Loveless & Loveless, Attorneys at Law, L.P.
(940) 387-3776
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*This website is not intended to provide legal advice or indicate the result in a specific case [Read full disclaimer]