Working Through A Collaborative Divorce Together
At Schmidlkofer, Toth, Loeb & Drosen, LLC, we bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to people throughout southeastern Wisconsin. We take the time necessary to fully explain the law and process, as well as your options and likelihood of success, so that you always know what to expect.
Understanding The Process
The collaborative divorce process evolved as more people sought to settle divorce differences without the time, expense and emotional bitterness often associated with the traditional divorce process. In the collaborative process, both parties retain counsel, but the role of the lawyers is to help the parties identify ways to resolve their differences without the involvement of the judge or the court.
In the collaborative process, the parties frequently bring in outside experts, such as financial planners and family counselors, to determine the most effective solutions to issues such as custody, visitation and support. If the parties come to an agreement on all issues, a binding order is entered by the court. If the parties cannot resolve differences collaboratively and must seek the intervention of the courts, the parties must hire new counsel to represent them in any further legal proceedings.
We will handle all matters related to your collaborative divorce proceeding, and we will help you identify all potential avenues to settle your disagreements without going to court. We have the ability to protect your interests without making the process unworkable. We can also draft the marital settlement agreement, should you settle all differences through the collaborative process.
What If My Spouse Won’t Agree To Collaborative Divorce?
Both spouses must voluntarily choose this approach for the process to move forward. You cannot force your partner into this method if they prefer traditional litigation. However, many people change their minds after learning about the potential benefits:
Lower costs: Reducing legal fees and court expenses
Privacy: Keeping personal matters out of public courtrooms
Less conflict: Preserving relationships and protecting children from hostility
If your spouse remains unwilling, you still have other divorce options available. Our firm can guide you through whichever path makes sense for your situation and help you understand what each approach involves.
Contact Our Office Today
For a free initial consultation with an experienced Milwaukee collaborative divorce attorney, contact us by email or call our office at 414-250-8548. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request. We accept Visa and Mastercard.