Collaborative Divorce
Divorce does not have to be ugly.
You can take the high road and take back the control.
"The Latin root for Divorce is "diverter," meaning to divert. Divorce does not mean to sever, it just means to find a new path."
Divorce - A Journey Through the Kids' Eyes
Over 95 percent of divorce cases eventually settle, often on the courthouse steps after most of the damage and expense of litigation has occurred. Everyone agrees on the destructive effect of the litigious divorce process on divorcing couples and their children, but most couples believe that a divorce war is inevitable. At Weppler Law Office, we do divorce differently. We believe that a divorce can be a win-win. With our help, you can minimize the trauma to you and your family. You can divorce without fighting and huge legal bills. You can divorce collaboratively.
What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a revolutionary new way to divorce. In the collaborative process, you and your spouse, as well the attorneys, agree to stay out of court in the entire divorce process. In the event that either party resorts to the court, both lawyers are automatically disqualified from further representation. This commitment preserves the safe space for the discussions and creative problem solving to take place. The attorneys perform the traditional duties as counselor at law, informing and educating their clients about their options, as well as structuring and drafting the client't agreement skillfully to comply with the law. In collaborative divorce, both attorneys work together, rather than working against each other. Sometimes, they collaborate with "neutral experts" such as a qualified financial expert, a divorce coach and/or a child specialist. The collaborative team provides the support, information, and guidance the clients need in the process, which enables the clients to reach agreements that are sound, thorough, legally biding, and durable.
Why We Do Collaborative Divorce?
We have seen first hand what happened to the couples and their children. We are aware that they are real families with their lives' savings at stake. We are resolved to becoming a part of the solution, not the problem. We want to protect you from becoming a victim of divorce and help you take control. We believe that Collaborative Divorce can best accomplish these objectives. The benefits of Collaborative Divorce are unsurpassed. Following are just some of numerous benefits:
Attorney, June Weppler, is a staunch advocate for collaborative law. June is a collaboratively trained attorney with an extensive training and background in collaborative and non adversarial dispute resolution processes. Her practice does not include litigation and is focused in helping the families find solutions respectfully. She is a member of International Association of Collaborative Professionals and Association of Collaborative Professionals of Washington. She is a founding member of the Collaborative Professionals of Thurston County.
Will It Work For Me?
"I am not telling you it is going to be easy.
I am telling you it is going to be worth it." (Arthur Williams)
Collaborative Divorce is not necessarily amicable or peaceful. In fact, Collaborative Divorce is an arduous process. Clients are expected to be respectful and compassionate amid their own pains and hurts. It is far too easy to succumb to resentment, anger, and vindictiveness in such circumstances. They strive to work together to find positive solutions when their communication has been already broken down. The reward, however, is tremendous: a durable agreement, conservation of financial and emotional resources, the preservation of good will, and the beginning of healing.
Each divorce is unique, and not all individuals fit the same mould. Attorneys are ethically obligated to present all options to each prospective client. When appropriate, we may recommend other non-adversarial options, such as kitchen table divorce, divorce coaching, unbundled services, and mediation. We are happy to help you choose the right approach for you. For more information about other options, please visit our Family Law page.
Collaborative Law Resources
We encourage you to learn more about Collaborative Law.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We would be happy to answer your questions.
We Would Love To Hear From You!
Give us a call or just send a message. We are happy to answer any questions.