Your Trusted Legal Partners
A Cooperative Approach to Resolving Legal Disputes
Legal disputes, especially those involving family matters, can be stressful, emotionally charged, and financially draining. Traditional litigation often escalates conflicts, leading to lengthy court battles and strained relationships. Collaborative law offers a better alternative—one that encourages cooperation, mutual respect, and constructive problem-solving.
At Red Deer Legal, we specialize in collaborative law to help clients resolve their disputes amicably and efficiently. Whether you’re going through a divorce, a custody dispute, or another legal matter requiring negotiation, our team is here to guide you through this innovative, solution-focused process.
What is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative law is a legal process designed to help individuals settle disputes outside of court through structured negotiation and problem-solving. Each party retains their own lawyer, but instead of taking an adversarial approach, all parties—including lawyers—commit to working together to find fair and constructive solutions. The process is voluntary and relies on transparency, cooperation, and open communication.
A key principle of collaborative law is that if the process breaks down and litigation becomes necessary, both parties must hire new legal representation. This ensures that all participants remain committed to resolving the matter outside of court.
Benefits of Collaborative Law
- Less Stress & Conflict: Unlike court proceedings, which can be adversarial and emotionally draining, collaborative law encourages a more positive and solution-focused approach.
- Cost-Effective: Collaborative law often results in lower legal fees compared to litigation, as it reduces court involvement and lengthy legal battles.
- Confidential Process: Unlike public court cases, the collaborative law process is private, protecting sensitive family matters.
- Greater Control Over Outcomes: Both parties play an active role in decision-making, rather than having a judge impose decisions.
- Preserves Relationships: This process is particularly beneficial for divorcing couples who share children, as it promotes cooperative co-parenting arrangements.
How the Collaborative Law Process Works
- Initial Consultation: Each party meets separately with their collaborative lawyer to discuss their goals and expectations.
- Participation Agreement: Both parties and their lawyers sign an agreement committing to the collaborative process and pledging to work toward a fair resolution.
- Joint Meetings: The parties and their legal representatives meet in a series of structured sessions to negotiate terms. Additional professionals, such as financial experts or child specialists, may be involved if needed.
- Negotiation & Agreement: Through open discussion and compromise, the parties reach mutually acceptable agreements on key issues.
- Finalizing the Agreement: Once a resolution is reached, the lawyers prepare legal documents to make the agreement official and enforceable.
