Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is an innovative, less formal method of practicing law in which you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys agree to resolve the issues using cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques and litigation. This process of open communication involves a series of informal meetings with both parties and their lawyers present. Unlike a traditional mediation or courtroom setting, the collaborative law format allows discussions to be interrupted and resumed later if difficulties or tension arise, while still permitting divorcing spouses the comfort of professional advice and guidance. If a settlement is not reached, the attorneys must withdraw, removing the incentive for a "win at all cost" approach by either side. Several of our attorneys at McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing, L.L.P. have had formal training in the collaborative method, and we offer this service as an alternative to litigation.