What Kind of Training do Collaborative Divorce Attorneys Receive?

Collaborative divorce might be a relatively new concept in North Carolina, but there is already a wealth of knowledge surrounding this discipline. This means that attorneys who handle collaborative divorces often bring a number of skills and resources to the table that may not be present with other lawyers. What kind of training do these lawyers actually receive? How are these lawyers different compared to their counterparts? These are all important questions if you are specifically searching for a lawyer who can help you with a collaborative divorce, as you obviously need someone who can take full advantage of the benefits offered by this process.

Make no mistake – collaborative divorce does offer a multitude of benefits. Firstly, a collaborative divorce is typically much cheaper than a litigated divorce. It can also be much quicker to finalize, allowing you to move on with your life without any frustrating delays. Collaborative law is also inherently confidential, ensuring that embarrassing details are kept out of the public record. Perhaps as a reflection of these benefits, collaborative divorce is generally much less stressful than a highly combative litigated divorce.

In order to take full advantage of these benefits, you need to get in touch with a lawyer who has plenty of experience and qualifications within this specific field. When you book a consultation with one of these legal professionals, you can explain your unique situation and receive targeted legal advice based on your specific circumstances. This allows you to proceed with your collaborative divorce with confidence.

Firstly, it is important to note that collaborative divorce has become quite standardized in states like North Carolina. These divorces are governed by Chapter 50 of the North Carolina General Statutes. This means that when you choose a collaborative divorce, there are still specific rules that you need to follow. It is not a matter of “anything goes.” Courts are well-acquainted with this process, and it is becoming more and more common every day across the United States. When you choose collaborative divorce, you are not engaging in some fringe, obscure legal loophole. You are selecting an established option that has become popular among both judges and spouses – for good reasons.

In general, all divorce attorneys must go through a considerable amount of training before even practicing law. They must first receive an undergraduate degree from a post-secondary institution, and then they must enter law school and receive a second degree. Finally, they must pass the Bar in their respective state, and this may require them to study for months prior to the exam. This is before they even practice law or deal with their first clients.

In addition, many divorce lawyers choose to receive additional training that pertains specifically to collaborative divorce. As a result of these additional training courses, lawyers may receive certain certifications that are universally respected across the United States.

Additional training is important for collaborative divorce attorneys because unique skills may be required to truly excel in this field. For example, many training courses involve education in something called “interest-based negotiation.” Lawyers are trained to help spouses to approach the negotiation table by expressing their “needs” and “feelings” rather than their “wants.” This often helps facilitate compromise and mutually-beneficial outcomes.

Training courses may also focus on “results-oriented” techniques that help spouses pursue specific goals and outcomes during the negotiations. Other training may involve dealing with so-called “high-conflict” clients, and how to help these individuals approach their divorces in the best way possible while limiting disputes. Other courses help attorneys learn how to identify the pre-existing negotiation skills possessed by their clients and use these skills to their advantage. In other words, you may have the opportunity to use your own negotiating skills during a collaborative divorce if your attorney feels that it could help your situation. Attorneys may also be trained to identify and avoid “triggers” that could send the negotiations in the wrong direction.

If you have been searching the North Carolina area for an experienced family law attorney, look no further than Arnold & Smith, PLLC. Over the years, we have assisted numerous spouses who wish to deal with their separation in a collaborative manner. We have plenty of experience and qualifications with collaborative law, and we can help you take full advantage of the benefits offered by this process. Book your consultation today to learn more.