Collaborative Law is a process in which the parties contractually agree that they will not go to court. While this may at first sound limiting, the actual result is that the parties and the lawyers are not tempted to threaten to “go to court if you don’t do what I want,” and they draw on all their creativity to develop their common interests, goals and options. The fundamental basis for collaborative law is “interest-based negotiation” vs. “position-based negotiation,” which is the basis of the litigation system. Collaborative law is private. You will not have to air your "dirty laundry" in a courtroom. The Law Office of Melissa A. Cook, PLLC, is trained in Collaborative Law and can discuss this process with you to determine if your family law matter can proceed in this manner. For more information on the Collaborative Law process, visit: www.collablawtexas.com.