The Difference Between Collaborative Divorce In Kansas City And Mediation

Collaborative divorce in Kansas City might be the best option for you when choosing between mediation and collaborative divorce.  The main difference between mediation and collaborative divorce, is that in collaborative divorce, both parties have secured legal representation to help them negotiate and represent each parties’ best interests. In mediation, the mediator will provide legal information to the parties, but doesn’t represent either one of them.  However, each party may also have an attorney in mediation.

While both options lead to effective resolutions, collaborative divorce is an interdisciplinary approach which uses the help of legal representation along with the potential use of a divorce coach, financial planners, and mental health professionals to help assist with these decisions, and to reduce stress and improve the efficiency of communication.

Mediation is different from collaborative divorce in that a neutral person (your mediator) will help you and your spouse negotiate all terms of your divorce, but has no power to decide the case. The mediator can, however, assist the parties in reaching an agreement and help them process their divorce through the courts.  Both mediation and collaborative divorce are less expensive, less time-consuming, and are more efficient than traditional litigation in court.

Collaborative divorce in Kansas City utilizes collaborative attorneys (attorneys who work together with their respective clients) through various meetings to help the parties determine the best possible resolutions for each party involved, without the burden of litigation through the court system.  Collaborative divorce attorneys are their clients’ advocates in assisting the parties in reaching agreements.

Hugh O’Donnell is the expert at collaborative divorce in Kansas City.  As a family law attorney, Hugh helped to introduce the benefits of collaborative divorce to Missouri in 2001, and has since helped to train other family law attorneys within the Greater Kansas City Metro Area in the collaborative divorce method.  He knows the challenges that people face when it is time to divorce, and knows the good that collaborative divorce in Kansas City can do for people, including keeping the decision-making power in their own hands.

Collaborative divorce in Kansas City offers many benefits to those facing divorce.  If you feel that collaborative divorce is the right path for you and your family, contact Hugh O’Donnell today to schedule a consultation, or call at (816) 533-5152 with any questions you have regarding your case.