Divorcing spouses are often willing to reach agreements outside of court even if they do not currently agree on everything. Couples in Highland Park may not agree on the principal issues related to their divorces, such as child custody, child support, or marital property division. Nevertheless, they can agree that they do not want to go through a protracted, litigated divorce and rather agree to use collaborative divorce process or mediation to reach reasonable decisions with the help of professionals.

However, due to a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health concerns, or communication issues, sometimes going through a litigated divorce in court often seems like the only way to end the marriage that caused pain and suffering to both spouses and their families. Before you decide how to approach your divorce speak with Anna to discuss what divorce options you might have.

Spouses willing to resolve the crucial divorce-related issues through peaceful negotiations should consider a collaborative divorce procedure instead of traditional litigation.

What is a collaborative divorce in Highland Park, IL

A collaborative divorce in Highland Park, IL, is a legal process that allows couples who have decided to ended their marriage to reach a fair settlement with the assistance of professional collaborative lawyers. Collaborative process, sometimes called collaborative law is a mix of traditional divorce process and divorce mediation. Unlike mediation, there is no neutral person conducting the negotiations. On the other hand, each spouse has an attorney, who can advise, guide and counsel throughout the process to help the client and offer support as he or she is making decisions regarding their divorce and settlement options. Unlike litigation, however, the collaborative divorce process is not adversarial.

Avoiding a bad outcome in court, the lack of control over your future, and the stress that follows are the central purpose of collaborative law. To begin a collaborative divorce the couple only needs to agree that they would like to use the collaborative process. They do not have to agree as to any of the settlement terms before they begin collaborative divorce process.  Once the couple, and the professional sign a collaborative participation agreement then the professionals help guide the couple through the process to a settlement agreement. If a collaborative divorce fails to achieve its aim, the collaborative participation agreement prevents the attorneys and the professionals from representing the spouses in future litigation because they have had greater access to the couple than they would have had in any other process. However, depending whether you use the statistic maintained by International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners or Collaborative Divorce Illinois 87-92% of collaborative process divorced are finalized using collaborative process.

What is a collaborative attorney?

Collaborative attorneys possess advanced negotiation skills acquired through years of legal, mediation, collaborative and dispute resolution training. They help each partner to continue their life journey with a sense of having reached a fair settlement, however they define it, stemming from the opportunity to reach an agreement tailor to their family and their needs. That is the opposite of litigation, which often leaves the divorced spouses with feelings of emptiness resentment, loss of control, and an outcome that was beyond their control and based on what the legal statutes and the legal system deemed appropriate for them and their family.

When they begin the collaborative divorce process the spouses agree to resolve their dispute in good faith. That means that both parties and their lawyers will be seeking a mutually acceptable settlement and conducting themselves in good faith. That represents a sharp contrast to court procedure where each side seeks to defeat the other.

The ethics rules, and the collaborative participation agreement require collaborative attorneys to resign from the case if their client intentionally misrepresents or fails to disclose material information. For that reason, by signing the participation agreement, both spouses agree to disclose all material information related to the divorce. However, the spouses are able to discuss and agree as to what information would be material and helpful to them in arriving at an agreement.

A collaborative divorce is not an adversarial process, even though attorneys are involved. The usual assumption about litigation is that opposing attorneys should take a combat stance. Contrary to that, collaborative law does not emphasize winning the case. The dominant aspect of collaborative divorce is communication and cooperation, and respective the clients’ autonomy to help them arrive at an agreement that is right for them and their family.

Collaborative law divorce procedure brings various benefits to divorcing spouses.

Litigation is both financially and emotionally draining for everyone involved. Contrarily, collaborative law attorneys will help spouses settle their disputes in a timely, less acrimonious and cost-effective manner.

Confidentiality is a central feature of a collaborative divorce process. Collaborative law attorneys will ensure that your private information is out of public sight.

Collaborative lawyers hold a series of team meetings, allowing spouses to negotiate every aspect of their divorce-related dispute in a private and confidential setting with the support of the collaborative professionals. That way, they can help direct your divorce process based on your priorities and the outcome of your negotiations. During each phase of the collborative divorce process, either spouse can ask the attorneys to stop the process if they become uncomfortable with the conference.

Work with collaborative law attorneys is done in a relaxed, informal, less stressful and more supportive atmosphere. The non-adversarial nature of the collaborative law process enables the free flow of information and better communication, which increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Anna P. Krolikowska is an attorney in private practice serving clients in Chicago and the suburbs.  She is a collaboratively trained attorney and a Fellow of Collaborative Divorce Illinois.  Within her law practice Anna works with clients using mediation, collaborative divorce process, or the litigated approach.  Anna is the President of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and only the 5th woman to have been elected President of the ISBA since it's inception in 1877. She has been recognized and honored for her work as an attorney by her fellow attorneys and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, which named her one of "Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois" in 2021, one of the "40 Under Forty" in 2019, and a Leading Lawyer. She has also been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Family Law 2019-2022. To learn more about which strategy might be best for you contact Anna at anna@annaklaw.com, or (847) 715-9328 to schedule a consultation.  Follow Anna on Facebook.com/AttyKrolikowska, on Instagram:  @annaklawchicago, or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/annaklaw , or on Twitter @AnnaK_Law.

About Highland Park IL

Highland Park is a beautiful suburb located just north of Chicago. It is home to many families and young professionals who enjoy the small-town feel while still being close to the city. Highland Park offers residents a variety of amenities, including excellent schools, parks, shopping, and dining. There are also many cultural attractions nearby, making it a great place to live for those who love the arts. Highland Park is an ideal community for raising a family or enjoying a quiet retirement. The crime rate is very low and the quality of life is high. If you are looking for a safe and friendly suburb to call home, Highland Park is definitely worth considering.

Highland Park was incorporated in 1869 with just 600 residents. The city was founded as a dry community, meaning that the purchase or consumption of alcohol was prohibited. Over the years, Highland Park has become a highly sought-after suburb of Chicago due to its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and close proximity to the city. Many wealthy professionals have built summer and year-round homes in Highland Park, attracted by the suburb's picturesque setting along the lake bluffs. In recent years, Highland Park has undergone a revitalization, with new shops and restaurants popping up downtown. The city is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Ravinia Music Festival and the Highwood Pumpkin Festival. Whether you're looking for a place to raise a family or a quiet retirement community, Highland Park is definitely worth considering.

Highland Park IL to 5 Revere Dr Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA. Driving Directions

via US-41 S
Fastest route, the usual traffic

  • Get on US-41 S/Skokie Valley Rd from Deerfield Rd and Central Ave
  • Follow US-41 S to Lake Cook Rd. Take the Lake Cook Rd exit from US-41 S
  • Continue on Lake Cook Rd to your destination in Northbrook