- Consumer's Choice Award 2019
- Consumer's Choice Award 2020
- Consumer's Choice Award 2021
- Consumer's Choice Award 2022
- Consumer's Choice Award 2023
- Consumer's Choice Award 2024
Choosing a divorce path is deeply personal. Collaborative divorce offers a structured, respectful process aimed at preserving family relationships while resolving issues without adversarial courtroom battles. In Countryside, Illinois, our team at Frankfort Law Group helps clients understand the steps, expectations, and possible outcomes. We focus on clear communication, focused negotiation, and collaborative problem solving that keeps children and long-term goals at the center of decisions.
Our approach invites cooperation, reduces tension, and supports practical agreements about parenting time, finances, and future plans. While every family’s situation is unique, the collaborative process offers a confidential, non-confrontational setting where parties work with trained professionals to craft durable settlements. You will have a say in the terms, while a support team helps with emotional and logistical challenges. This method often saves time, costs, and stress compared with traditional litigation.
Collaborative divorce provides a structured alternative that reduces courtroom conflict and invites constructive problem solving. Clients often maintain greater control over outcomes and timelines, contributing to more durable agreements that reflect shared goals. The process supports children by reducing disruptions and preserving relationships, while helping couples reach decisions on critical issues such as asset division, parenting schedules, and future income planning through respectful negotiation.
Frankfort Law Group serves families in Countryside and throughout Illinois with a steady, client-centered approach to family law. Our team collaborates with financial professionals and mental health practitioners to design settlements that balance practical needs with long term wellbeing. We emphasize transparent communication, thoughtful strategy, and careful documentation. While no two cases are alike, our attorneys bring many years of experience guiding clients through complex property matters, parenting plans, and post-divorce transitions.
Understanding collaborative divorce involves learning how the process works, who participates, and what outcomes are possible. In this approach, spouses agree to resolve issues through collaborative negotiations with a team that may include attorneys, a coach, and a financial professional. The emphasis is on collaboration rather than confrontation, with commitments to transparent information sharing, voluntary disclosures, and problem-solving that protects relationships and financial stability after divorce.
If you are exploring options, this guide outlines expectations, potential timelines, and the roles of each participant. While the process can be collaborative and less adversarial, it still requires careful planning, legal guidance, and mutual respect. Our aim is to help you evaluate whether a collaborative path supports your family’s unique needs, reduces conflict, and leads to an equitable agreement that supports your future goals.
A collaborative divorce is a voluntary process in which each party agrees to work with a team of professionals to resolve issues outside court. The process centers on open communication, documented agreements, and a shared commitment to child welfare and financial practicality. If parties cannot reach agreement, they agree to not proceed with the same attorney in court lawsuits, allowing a fresh start with new representation. This setup encourages creative problem solving within a structured, respectful framework.
Key elements include early information sharing, joint planning, and the use of a collaborative team to guide decisions. The process follows a defined sequence: introductory meetings, issue identification, and negotiations focused on win-win solutions. Documents are prepared through cooperative drafts, and settlements are tailored to family needs rather than courts. Regular check-ins help maintain momentum, while confidentiality supports honest disclosures. The goal is to achieve durable agreements that work in daily life.
This glossary defines terms you may encounter throughout the collaborative process. Clear definitions help all parties stay aligned on expectations, timelines, and responsibilities. The listed terms reflect common concepts used in Illinois family law and in collaborative practice. Use this as a reference as you review agreements and discuss options with your counsel.
Collaborative Process: An approach to resolving family law matters through cooperative negotiation assisted by a team of professionals. Each party maintains independent counsel and agrees to work toward a mutually acceptable settlement. The process emphasizes open communication, voluntary disclosure of information, tailored parenting plans, and fair financial arrangements. If negotiations fail, parties may need to pursue other legal avenues, but not with the same collaborative team.
Mediation: A structured negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party to help spouses reach an agreement. In the collaborative model, mediation is used only when parties decide to move toward a resolution without continuing with the collaborative team, or to address specific issues within the broader process. A mediator assists with communication, helps identify interests, and suggests options, while keeping the discussion non-adversarial. This step can shorten timelines and reduce costs when it aligns with client goals.
Independent Counsel: Each party’s own attorney who provides legal advice, reviews documents, and helps ensure informed decisions throughout the collaborative process. They explain options, assess risks, and protect your rights while maintaining a cooperative atmosphere. Although both sides share goals, you retain personal guidance to navigate complex financial and parenting matters as negotiations proceed.
Coach: A neutral professional who supports parties in identifying goals, managing emotions, and communicating effectively during negotiations. The coach helps structure meetings, clarifies interests, and fosters a collaborative tone. They do not provide legal or financial advice but facilitate productive dialogue and help the team stay focused on durable, child-centered outcomes.
When considering your options, you can choose collaborative divorce, mediation, traditional litigation, or a hybrid approach. Each path has distinct advantages and trade-offs in terms of control, cost, timing, and privacy. The collaborative path emphasizes cooperation with a dedicated team, while litigation focuses on formal court decisions. Mediation centers on facilitated negotiation with less legal escalation, and a hybrid combines elements from multiple approaches.
In straightforward cases with minimal assets and clear parenting needs, a limited approach can resolve essential issues faster and at lower cost. Parties benefit from focused negotiations, shorter meetings, and a streamlined set of documents. This path keeps negotiations practical and helps you reach an initial agreement without unnecessary complexities, while still preserving future opportunities to adjust terms if life changes.
A restrained process aims to reduce conflict and protect children from ongoing stress. By limiting formal steps and focusing on durable agreements, families often experience less disruption and more predictable schedules. Careful coordination among professionals supports respectful dialogue and steady progress, helping you avoid lengthy court proceedings and avoid escalation whenever possible.
A comprehensive service addresses all facets of the divorce, including complex financial matters, tax concerns, retirement accounts, and long-term planning. It ensures that no important issue is overlooked and that agreements reflect both present needs and future consequences. Working with a full team of professionals helps you map out scenarios, value assets accurately, and create parenting plans that adapt to changes in your family.
A comprehensive approach emphasizes careful documentation, independent counsel, and proactive risk assessment. This helps reduce ambiguity and potential disputes later. By reviewing options with a complete set of facts and legal perspectives, you can make informed decisions that stand up to scrutiny while maintaining a cooperative spirit. The goal is to create durable, fair agreements that support stability for you and your family.
A broad approach yields more durable settlements by addressing financial complexity, child welfare, and future planning in one cohesive framework, reducing the likelihood of later disputes. Clients often appreciate clarity, alignment on goals, and a clear roadmap for life after divorce, including timing, money management, and co-parenting expectations for everyone’s peace of mind.
The comprehensive approach also preserves privacy, limits public exposure, and allows families to tailor instruments to their values while aligning with Illinois law. Additionally, it helps manage tax considerations, retirement assets, and debt allocation in a coordinated plan that supports long-term stability and minimizes future litigation exposure for both parents and children.
Integrated financial planning coordinates asset division, tax implications, retirement accounts, and ongoing financial decision making. This approach reduces ambiguity and helps both parties understand the long-term effects of settlements. By working with a financial professional alongside legal counsel, you can build a settlement that aligns with your lifestyle, protects children’s needs, and supports financial independence after divorce.
Collaborative problem solving brings perspectives together to craft creative solutions that meet shared interests. With a team approach, issues can be framed as joint goals, enabling quicker consensus and practical outcomes. Parties have a voice in the design of parenting plans, asset allocation, and future arrangements, leading to settlements that feel fair and workable in daily life.
Start by listing your goals, concerns, and must-haves for parenting, finances, and living arrangements. Gather essential documents, such as income statements, asset records, and tax returns, so you can share accurate information with your collaborative team. Decide how you want to approach negotiations and prepare to be flexible. A thoughtful preparation sets a smoother path forward and helps protect your family’s interests.
Keep children at the center of discussions and avoid exposing them to parental conflict. Create routines and predictable schedules to provide stability, and communicate changes with care. Engage school and healthcare professionals where appropriate to support a smooth transition. By prioritizing the child’s wellbeing, you can reach agreements that work for everyone and reduce the likelihood of ongoing disputes after the divorce.
This service offers a mindful path for families seeking respect, privacy, and durable solutions. When parties want to maintain control of decisions and avoid protracted court battles, collaborative divorce provides a structured framework with a support team. It helps address parenting plans, asset allocation, and future goals in a way that aligns with your values. Many families find that the process reduces stress while preserving important relationships for years to come.
Choosing this path may yield quicker, calmer resolutions, preserve trust, and limit public exposure to sensitive matters. It also supports ongoing collaboration with co-parents and experts who can help adapt agreements as circumstances change. A collaborative approach tends to produce practical settlements that can be implemented smoothly and revisited when life evolves, rather than relying solely on courtroom decisions.
This service is often helpful when parenting plans require careful negotiation, substantial financial assets must be divided, or when parties value privacy and direct problem solving. It is also suitable when spouses wish to limit hostility and create a cooperative framework for future cooperation. If there are disagreements about values, timelines, or long term goals, collaborative divorce can provide structured support to reach sustainable, fair agreements.
When finances involve multiple accounts, business interests, or complex tax matters, a comprehensive collaborative approach helps map assets, liabilities, and future obligations. A coordinated team can review valuations, align on reporting, and draft terms that reflect tax implications and retirement planning. Clear documentation reduces the risk of misunderstandings and makes it easier to implement the final agreement after divorce.
When parents have ongoing disputes about time sharing, decision making, or relocation, a collaborative framework supports constructive negotiation and neutral facilitation. The process helps you develop a parenting plan that prioritizes the children’s stability while giving both parents meaningful involvement. With careful guidance from the team, you can address short-term needs and long-term goals without escalating tensions that affect daily routines.
When asset valuation is complex, including real estate, businesses, or investments, the collaborative process allows for expert input and transparent methodology. The team can coordinate appraisals, tax planning, and distribution strategies to produce a balanced outcome. Clear, written agreements help ensure consistent implementation and minimize disputes if market conditions shift. This approach supports long-term financial health for all family members.
Frankfort Law Group is here to guide Countryside families through collaborative divorce with clear explanations, careful planning, and compassionate support. We listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you weigh the benefits of cooperation against potential risks. Our goal is to help you achieve practical agreements that fit your lifestyle while protecting the needs of children and preserving the dignity of your family.
Choosing the right team matters. At Frankfort Law Group, you will work with professionals who support collaborative problem solving, clear communication, and thoughtful negotiations. We aim to make the process straightforward, informative, and respectful, guiding you through legal requirements while maintaining focus on practical outcomes. Our approach emphasizes accessibility, plain language explanations, and ongoing collaboration to help you reach durable agreements that support your family’s future.
We tailor our services to your situation and ensure you understand every step, from initial discussions to finalization. You’ll have access to experienced staff, flexible scheduling, and resources designed to minimize stress. Our aim is to deliver practical, fair results while maintaining a constructive environment for ongoing co parenting. We work with you and your family to create a plan that reflects your values and protects your rights.
We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your goals and verify that collaborative divorce aligns with your needs. We will answer questions, outline next steps, and provide an honest assessment of expected timelines and costs. Our focus is on practical planning and respectful negotiations that help families move forward with confidence.
Our firm offers a structured sequence starting with an intake call, initial meetings, and a team assessment. We document goals, gather information, and design a negotiation plan tailored to your priorities. Throughout the process, you will receive clear explanations, regular updates, and compassionate support as you work toward a settled, child-focused agreement. Privacy and respect are central to our approach.
The first phase focuses on gathering information, identifying issues, and setting goals. You will meet with your attorney and the collaborative team to outline priorities, share necessary documents, and agree on a plan. This step lays the groundwork for productive negotiations, establishing timelines and boundaries that guide the entire process. You can expect candid discussions, careful planning, and a path toward a settlement rather than courtroom confrontation.
Part 1 involves sharing financial information, parenting priorities, and household details in a structured format. The team helps you organize documents, explain the implications of disclosures, and identify areas requiring negotiation. The aim is to establish transparency and build trust while protecting sensitive information. You will have opportunities to ask questions and adjust the plan as needed.
Part 2 moves into focused negotiations with the goal of drafting cooperative agreements. The team helps articulate options, evaluates trade-offs, and records decisions in draft documents. You will review and revise collaboratively drafted terms to ensure they reflect your priorities. The emphasis remains on practical solutions that protect children and preserve financial stability, without escalating tensions or turning to litigation.
In Step 2, negotiations deepen on asset division, parenting schedules, and support arrangements. The collaborative team coordinates with financial professionals to value assets, review tax implications, and project future needs. You will receive written proposals, discuss options, and adjust terms to reach a comprehensive agreement. The goal is to finalize the major issues while preserving privacy and minimizing disruption to daily life.
Part 1 in Step 2 focuses on identifying all assets and debts, confirming values, and documenting obligations. The team may coordinate appraisals, gather bank records, and create a balanced framework for property distribution. You will review valuations, discuss alternative structures, and ensure you understand how choices affect taxes and retirement planning. This phase sets the stage for an equitable settlement.
Part 2 delves into negotiating terms for parenting time, support, and future decision making. The team helps you balance needs and responsibilities, and drafts a final agreement for review. You will have opportunities to ask questions, request clarifications, and ensure the plan aligns with your values. The result is a comprehensive, actionable settlement.
Step 3 focuses on finalization, signing, and implementation of the separation agreement. The team assists with reviewing the final document, ensuring it reflects the negotiated terms, and arranging for any necessary court filings or notices in compliance with Illinois law. It includes guidance on maintaining the agreed parenting plan and financial orders, plus provisions for future modifications if life changes.
Part 1 involves a final review of the agreement, ensuring clarity, fairness, and enforceability. The team checks that the documents reflect your decisions, addresses contingencies, and aligns with your long-term goals. You will sign off on the written terms after confirming you understand each provision, the impact on parenting time, and the financial obligations. The aim is a clear, durable plan ready for implementation.
Part 2 covers enforcement, revision, and follow-up after the agreement is signed. The team explains how to enforce orders, handle changes in circumstances, and plan for modifications as children grow older. You will learn about timelines for reviews, what to do if disagreements arise, and how to access resources for ongoing support. The goal is to keep your arrangements workable and sustainable over time.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
Collaborative divorce is a structured approach that uses a team of professionals to resolve issues without going to court. Parties commit to open dialogue, voluntary disclosures, and negotiations aimed at durable settlements. Attorneys, a coach, and a financial specialist guide conversations to protect children’s interests, reduce fear, and keep discussions productive. The process emphasizes collaboration, respect, and practical decision making rather than adversarial tactics. In many cases, this path can lead to a timely, workable agreement.
We will provide information on who participates and what roles they have. The collaborative team includes your attorney, a coach, a financial professional, and the other spouse’s team. Each member has a defined role to support constructive discussion. If you choose to proceed, you will sign a participation agreement that commits everyone to the process. The aim is to keep conversations productive and focused on durable outcomes.
Yes, the collaborative agreement is a contract among the parties and is enforceable in many respects. If the process fails, or if one party breaches commitments, there are remedies, and you may re-engage counsel. In Illinois, you may convert an agreement into a court order for enforcement if necessary, while still benefiting from the collaborative planning. A lawyer can explain your options based on your case details.
Duration varies by case, but many matters conclude within several months when participants stay engaged and prepared. The timeline depends on asset complexity, parenting issues, and the speed of information exchange. Regular meetings, clear agendas, and a responsive team help keep pace. You will receive updates about progress and potential steps, so you can plan with greater certainty.
Costs in collaborative divorce reflect the number of professionals involved and the scope of work required to reach a settlement. While expenses can be higher upfront than a single attorney, many families notice savings over time by avoiding lengthy court battles and appeals. Your team will provide transparent budgeting and itemized proposals before proceeding, allowing you to weigh options and choose a plan that fits your circumstances.
It is possible to change direction, but it usually involves a structured process. If you decide to enter court proceedings later, you may need new representation and a new strategy. The collaborative agreement often includes terms about when the process may end and what steps follow if one party chooses to pursue litigation. A frank discussion with your attorney will clarify next steps.
A coach helps with communication and emotional management, supports productive discussions, and keeps negotiations focused on outcomes. They do not provide legal or financial advice but assist in structuring meetings, clarifying interests, and maintaining a respectful tone. The coach helps families navigate stress while preserving a constructive atmosphere for decision making.
Prepare current financial statements, tax returns, asset records, debts, and information about income. Gather documents related to parenting schedules, school records, and health information relevant to child welfare. Your attorney will guide you on the exact materials needed for disclosure, and the team will help you organize everything in a clear, usable format for negotiations.
Collaborative divorce can work in some high-conflict situations when both sides commit to open communication, honesty, and respectful negotiation with a professional team. In very contentious scenarios, the process may still reduce hostility by providing structured sessions and neutral facilitators. A preliminary assessment can help determine whether this approach is suitable for your family dynamics.
To begin, contact Frankfort Law Group in Countryside. We offer a confidential consultation to review goals, discuss options, and outline a plan. You will meet with an attorney and the collaborative team to describe your situation, learn about timelines, and determine if this path aligns with your needs. We will answer questions and provide clear next steps tailored to your case.