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Gevurtz Menashe

PDX 503.227.1515
WA 360.823.0410

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law attorneys
Even the most difficult divorce cases can benefit from the use of Collaborative Law which is why we dedicated an entire section of our website to this approach. Collaborative law is a relatively new and innovative method of dispute resolution in which the attorneys and the parties work collaboratively to achieve an outcome that is fair and acceptable to both parties. Unlike traditional litigation, parties agree to work collaboratively to control the process and make final decisions together, without litigation. Although the collaborative law method is not for all cases, several of our attorneys are qualified to act as collaborative attorneys for those clients who are looking to for an alternative to the traditional litigation model.

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Collaborative Law attorneys

In collaborative family law, two attorneys work with each respective party, as a team, to generate options for a mutually beneficial and acceptable settlement. If necessary, the team can include coaches, therapists, or other professionals to help the parties reach resolution. Ultimately, both clients are agreeing to work together to drive the decisions of their case, rather than turning it over to a judge through traditional litigation. 

Benefits of Collaborative Law


Clients who opt for collaborative, mediated dispute resolution find that they are able to address their particular needs. Once they remove highly-emotional conflict from the picture, they can work with the other side of the dispute to find the solutions that best addresses their family’s situation. After all, no one understands the situation better than those directly involved. Throughout the process, our collaborative family law attorneys provide information and guidance, helping you and your spouse become more informed to build mutually beneficially solutions. 

​The Collaborative Law Process


The process typically begins with each client meeting with his or hers respective attorney. From there, the two qualified collaborative family law attorneys meet to lay out the ground work for the case and ongoing meetings between the two parties. At the first meeting, clients and attorneys sign the Collaborative Participation Agreement, which is an enforceable binding contract. The team then continues to meet until full resolution has been reached on all issues. Once a plan is in place, a final judgment is drafted and filed with the court. Although the collaborative law method is most popular for divorce matters, it can also be applied to many other family legal matters such as custody and parenting time issues, child support, domestic partnership or prenuptial agreements, grandparent rights, same-sex marriage issues and more.  

​Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods:

Mediation is also one of many methods our attorneys use to develop a solution to the financial, custody, parenting time and support issues facing divorcing couples. Our attorneys can help in a number of ways, including preparing the client who wants to mediate without attorneys present, or accompanying the client who wants the skill and knowledge of an attorney by his or her side during the mediation. In addition, we can review agreements achieved through unrepresented mediation to see if they are fair and appropriate.

​CONTACT US TO GET STARTED.

Many of our Oregon and Washington attorneys are qualified—and take great pride in providing collaborative law as an option for clients who are exploring family legal issues. If you’re interested in learning more about Collaborative Law, or other alternative dispute resolutions—or to find out if it’s the right fit for your situation—give us a call at (503) 227-1515 in Portland, or (360) 823-0410 in Vancouver, or request a consultation online.

Call our Portland, OR offices at: 503-227-1515
and our Vancouver, WA office at 360-823-0410
or contact us to request a consultation.