Collaborative law is a relatively new alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") process in Texas. Essentially, it is a process where two divorcing parties and both their attorneys agree to resolve all aspects of the divorce without going to court.

The idea behind the collaborative law process is that both parties are supposed to work together to attempt to find a way to come to an agreement on all aspects of the divorce process. This includes the signing of a collaborative law agreement, which usually binds both parties to act respectfully, honestly and in good faith with one another.

The collaborative law agreement provides that no one may go to court, or even threaten to do so, as long as the parties are in the collaborative process. If at any time one party wishes to break from the collaborative process and go to court, the collaborative law process will terminate and both spouses must retain trial counsel to take their case to court.

The Austin divorce attorneys of The Milner Law Firm believe that trust and respect between the parties is a prerequisite to the collaborative law process. The collaborative law process offers no specific methods to enforce disclosure of vital information, and no specific process to enforce deadlines.

If the collaborative law process appeals to you, please ask the Austin divorce attorneys at The Milner Law Firm about collaborative law and we will discuss whether this process is appropriate in your case.

The attorneys at The Milner Law Firm realize that the collaborative law process is not for everyone. Our attorneys recognize that sometimes having their case heard by a judge is the only way some client matters will be resolved. In such situations, our lawyers are ready to assist their clients in being strong courtroom advocates.