Divorce doesn't have to be a battle.
We encourage collaboration rather than confrontation.

Collaborative Law

Lea Shelemey, Valparaiso Mediator, Divorce & Family Law Attorney.

Collaborative Law is about cooperation as opposed to confrontation. Instead of relinquishing decision making to the Court, parties who choose the collaborative law practice method maintain control over the process and the decision making with respect to their goals in the best interest of their families. During conferences and informal discussions, you, your spouse and both collaboratively-trained attorneys work together as a team to reach out-of-court agreements. Through the exchange of information and the exploration of ideas, solutions that are acceptable to both parties may be formulated. Generally, it takes less time and less money to settle matters using the Collaborative Family Law process.

The most important difference between the Collaborative Family Law process and the typical litigation model of divorce is the commitment by both parties and their collaboratively-trained attorneys to reach an agreement without going to Court. The focus of the collaborative process is on problem-solving. Full disclosure and open communication helps the parties and their collaboratively-trained attorneys to move toward resolution in a more efficient manner.

Given that collaborative practice encourages a more respectful resolution process, the parties establish the foundation upon which future interactions and potential conflicts may be handled.

  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Valpo Chamber
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • Indiana Associate of Mediators