Indianapolis Collaborative Divorce Attorneys For Collaborative Law Solutions

Last updated on April 29, 2025

For most people, the image that comes to mind when they think of divorce is courtroom litigation. This is not how divorce has to be.

Collaborative law is a structured cooperative approach to divorce where both spouses work with specially trained attorneys to resolve all divorce-related issues outside of court through respectful negotiation and problem-solving. When soon-to-be-former spouses fight each other in court, the costs, stress and time it takes to resolve the divorce all increase dramatically. Being able to resolve elements of a divorce outside of court can offer a substantial number of benefits:

• Lower costs
• More control over your own future
• Less stress
• Ideal for creating a paradigm of cooperation going forward that can be especially valuable when children are involved

Typical collaborative divorce cases include couples who own businesses together, parents who prioritize co-parenting relationships, and professionals seeking privacy during their divorce process.

Collaborative Law: Real Results. Saving You Money And Reducing Stress.

Collaborative Law is a divorce process where certain specific approaches are employed to minimize aggravations and improve outcomes.

Some of the ways Collaborative Law is different from traditional divorce include:

• The spouses must agree to the process
• The spouses must each work with an attorney who is trained in Collaborative Law
• The spouses work together to resolve all of the same questions a traditional divorce would solve such as child custody, child support and property division
• If the spouses cannot come to an agreement, their attorneys can no longer represent them, and they must find new attorneys to represent them to follow through in the traditional divorce formula

This focus on keeping decision-making power in the hands of the spouses rather than giving it to a judge can often allow for the creation of tailored outcomes that truly fit each spouse’s needs going forward.

What To Expect In The Collaborative Divorce Process

The collaborative divorce process follows a structured pathway designed to promote open communication and mutual problem-solving. Initially, both spouses and their collaborative attorneys sign a participation agreement committing to the process and agreeing not to litigate. This crucial first step establishes the foundation for productive negotiations.

Next, the team identifies each spouse’s goals, concerns and priorities through a series of joint meetings. Financial specialists may join to assist with complex property division, while child specialists can provide insight for developing parenting plans. Unlike traditional divorce, information gathering occurs cooperatively, with voluntary exchange of all relevant documentation.

Throughout negotiations, your collaborative attorney serves as both legal advisor and negotiation coach, helping you communicate effectively and explore creative solutions. The process emphasizes transparency, respect and finding mutually beneficial outcomes rather than “winning” at the other’s expense.

If challenges arise during collaborative sessions, the team may utilize mediation techniques to overcome impasses. While most collaborative divorces reach successful agreements, if the process ultimately fails, both attorneys must withdraw, and the spouses may then pursue traditional litigation with new counsel.

Let Us Help You Take Advantage Of The Many Benefits Collaborative Law Can Provide

Our collaborative divorce team includes multiple attorneys recognized in the SuperLawyers list in family law, with specialized training in negotiation strategies that minimize conflict while protecting our clients’ interests. Paula Schaefer, one of lead attorneys, is also a member of Collaborative Solutions in Indiana, the premier organization of collaborative professionals in the state. Her extensive training and experience in collaborative practice have established her as a leader in this approach to divorce resolution.

Testimonials from our clients highlight our ability to transform potentially contentious divorces into respectful separations.

To learn more about how our family law team can help you with a collaborative divorce, schedule an initial consultation by calling us at 317-660-8150 or contact us online.