Cooperative Resolutions
The Law Office of Brigid A. Duffield, P.C. offers you a “No BS” way to resolve divorce, end of life and other conflicts.
Cooperative Resolution, sometimes referred to as Collaborative Law, is a problem solving avenue for two or more parties that agree to avoid the court system and threats of litigation. The process is intended to limit traditional litigation, initially its beginnings were in divorce, which is often a costly process for families, not only financially but also taking a toll emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Cooperation to resolve conflicts provides a process that encourages cooperation and helps parents and children retain their family relationships after the divorce is concluded.
How does “Cooperative Resolution” work?
Typically an attorney driven resolution process, parties agree to the cooperative process. They meet individually with their attorney and then all four meet together through a series of four way meetings. The participants define goals, identify needs, work out differences and come to agreements. During this process, other professionals, such as financial planners, parenting coaches and caregivers, including hospice providers may be added to reach resolution of specific needs. With the assistance of your experts, agreements are reached that are acceptable. The attorneys prepare the necessary legally-binding documents for signature and complete any open legal court process .
A Dedicated Advocate
Since 1984, Brigid Duffield has been in private practice with a concentration in family law and domestic relations, which include financial disputes, parenting decision-making disputes, real estate and other property matters. She is regularly appointed by the Court as a Child Representative and as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL).
For a consultation with Brigid A. Duffield, P.C., call 630-221-9300 or contact us online. From our offices in Wheaton, Illinois, we serve clients in Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Warrenville, Winfield, Downers Grove, Lisle, and the surrounding area.
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General Information
Practice Areas
Divorce
Parenting Decision Making, & Parenting Time
Child Support & Spousal Support, aka Maintenance
Modification of Orders
Discovery of Assets
Asset Distribution
Real Estate Law
Elder Law Mediation
Top 5 reasons to consider the cooperative process:
1. It minimizes the involvement in the legal system.
2. The long term success and well-being of the parties and children is enhanced.
3. Parties design their agreements, with their lawyers’ help, according to what works for their family.
4. The parties are often supported by a team of professionals, all of whom have had extensive training in conflict resolution.
5. Clients have more flexibility to participate when it is convenient for them. Schedules and conferences are adapted to meet the client’s needs.
Cooperative Resolution of Conflicts requires:
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Both parties act with maturity and courtesy to each other.
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Full disclosure is required. No information is hidden.
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The children are kept out of the process and the negotiation and the adult issues remain with the adults. The children do not become equal partners or part of the negotiation team.
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Parties use common experts to settle issues such as real estate agents and financial planners and avoid dueling experts. Each party shares the costs of these expenses.
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This intention is for the parties to settle disputes outside of court. The parties and the attorneys commit themselves to settling the case without court intervention. If no agreements can be reached, the collaborative attorneys withdraw and a litigation process can be initiated with new attorneys.