Collaborative Law is a voluntary dispute resolution process originally developed by a family law attorney who had become disenchanted with the traditional style of litigation. Often court battles became so bitter and destructive that wounds between the parties never healed. In an effort to alleviate the emotional scars and financial hardships of divorcing couples, the collaborative process was born. GCLC believes the same principals that have preserved the integrity and dignity of families can also bring relief to individuals and/or entities having legal disputes in other areas of the law.
The purpose of collaboration is not to take advantage of the other party, but to resolve a dispute in a manner that is beneficial to all concerned. In the collaborative process, the parties and their attorneys voluntarily agree to cooperate honestly and in good faith to develop options and possible solutions. If at any point, a party believes that the process should not continue, the collaboration terminates and the collaborative attorneys withdraw. The parties hire new attorneys and the matter resumes in court.
There are many relationships between individuals and business entities that could and should be preserved through the collaborative process. In addition, the process provides a private, confidential setting that does not become a part of the public record. Below are some of the areas of law in which parties with disputes can benefit from using the collaborative process:
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