Our Settlement (Non-Court) Approach to Divorce
70 years of combined legal experience counts much more than it costs
“It is the duty of all lawyers to seek resolution of all disputes at the least cost in time, expense, and trauma to the parties and to the courts.”
Preamble of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules – Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers
The Law Firm of Kulerski & Cornelison Divorce Lawyers centers its practice on the settlement approach to divorce
Going through a divorce or legal separation is extremely difficult, but certain steps can be taken to make your experience less lengthy, less costly, less painful, and less disruptive to the family unit.
We make getting you an early settlement our number one priority, and we try to keep your case as private, dignified, and as non-confrontational as possible.
Many clients arrive in their lawyers’ office with gladiator expectations
And are often greeted with the same attitude. It doesn’t have to be this way. If the spouses are willing, divorce attorneys can now use new settlement techniques to help change the dynamic and start the case by deliberately creating an atmosphere for settlement instead of war.
Our Job Is to Settle Your Case Before You Have to Go to Court
Society Should Emphasize Early Divorce Settlements
There is no rule that says you and your soon-to-be ex wait until the end of your case (after you have spent more time, energy, and money than you ever thought possible) to begin serious and good faith settlement negotiations.
Our Non-Court Approach Includes Three Primary Models
All three of these settlement approaches are effective, speedy, and considerably less expensive than using our traditional divorce legal system. They are not for everyone, but they work wonderfully for reasonable people who want a reasonable divorce.
Four-Way Settlement Conferences
If the formal settlement methods aren’t pursued, we urge the other attorney to meet with us and the spouses in four-way settlement conferences.
Purpose of Four-Way Meetings
We use these meetings to define the issues, hear from both spouses to determine their respective concerns, and attempt to create and discuss settlement options that both parties might find acceptable.
Historical Use and Effectiveness
These four-way settlement conferences were all we had before mediation and collaborative/cooperative law emerged. Depending on the personalities involved, they remain effective.
Keys to Success in These Meetings
Attorneys must manage the emotional climate. Clients must act in good faith, refrain from using the forum for venting, and commit to productive dialogue.
Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be Destructive
Disputants need to vent and be heard, and these meetings provide a forum for validation and resolution.
When Reasonable People Get Derailed
Even with the best intentions, people can get caught up in the adversarial nature of traditional divorce litigation. We aim to prevent that.
Why Litigation Should Be a Last Resort
“The court will now come to order” or “Call your first witness” should be the last words you want to hear. Most who observe a trial agree: litigation is not ideal.
What People Say About Divorce Approaches
You don’t hear any positive things about divorce litigation from those who lived through it.
You don’t hear any negative things about mediation or the collaborative/cooperative models from those who used them.
Consider Starting With a Settlement Approach
We urge you to consider mediation, collaboration, or cooperation early in your case. There’s little downside—and a lot of upside.
A Fresh, Pain-Saving Approach
We practice law differently. We use a fresh approach – a pain saving approach.