Divorcing differently and winning out of the courtroom is Oklahoma collaborative law in a nutshell and a legal concept that is gaining traction in Oklahoma and throughout the nation.
Though the elite Oklahoma law firm Fry & Elder has traditionally been known for its work in high-conflict, high-resolution divorce and child custody cases over the past 50 years, Oklahoma collaborative law empowers couples with the ability to reach a settlement in their divorce issues instead of through courtroom litigation.
How Oklahoma Collaborative Law Works
Collaborative law provides a client-focused alternative to court-based resolution. Though it is a relatively new legal practice, it is gaining is gaining momentum as an effective means to resolve divorce issues including child support, child custody and alimony.
Just like in a traditional divorce, each party involved will retain the services of an attorney. However, in a collaborative divorce, each party will employ the aid of a trained and experienced collaborative attorney.
A key ingredient of the collaborative law process is that it is not final until a final collaborative law divorce agreement has been signed by both parties. Collaborative law differs from traditional divorce litigation in that the entire process is private and confidential. The information exchanged between the participating parties will not be public record and only in very rare circumstances is it admissible in court.
The Benefits of Oklahoma Collaborative Law
Due to the nature of some relationships, collaborative law may not be the answer for every separating couple. Collaborative law, however, is a great opportunity for couples without a substantial amount of tension and conflict.
The advantages of collaborative law for those couples with the ability to maintain a civil relationship are numerous.
No Court and Reduced Cost: A primary benefit of the collaborative law process is the ability for both parties to avoid court which can typically reduce cost. Family law litigation can often be expensive and unpredictable. The collaborative law process limits both of these factors from taking place.
Quicker Results: With little to no litigation, collaborative law often enables faster resolution for both parties because the mediation and resolution process occurs on the clients’ watch and not on the court’s docket.
Enhanced Privacy: Because the collaborative law process typically takes place at a certified Oklahoma collaborative law attorney’s office, the parties are empowered to decide what goes into the paperwork which often becomes public record.
Maintained Relationships: The collaborative law process focuses on meaningful and efficient communication between clients. This typically keeps the door open for a preserved relationship between both parties which usually only serves as a benefit in the present and down the road.
A Family Law Firm Which Cares and Advocates for Clients
With roots and a history dating back to 1932, Fry & Elder and its talented team of domestic law attorneys have been synonymous with Oklahoma family law excellence. The firm has made the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2018.
The firm’s standout lineup of attorneys include the following:
- A 2019 Best Lawyers® Selection
- One of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers® 2016 Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma
- Two attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Two attorneys AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- A 2017 Significant Sig Award Winner
If you are going through a separation or divorce and think the collaborative law process is the best option for resolution, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and accomplished Oklahoma family law attorney.