Collaborative Divorce Attorney in DuPage and Cook County, Illinois
When spouses decide to divorce, the process does not have to be hostile or drawn out in court. Many couples want to separate respectfully, keep control over their decisions, and protect their children from conflict. A collaborative divorce allows you to do exactly that.
At Kulerski & Cornelison, attorney Kari Cornelison helps clients throughout DuPage County and Cook County approach divorce in a cooperative and constructive way. With more than twenty years of experience in Illinois family law, she focuses on solutions that minimize stress, save money, and encourage communication. Her collaborative approach to divorce helps families transition with dignity and fairness.
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What Is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a structured process in which both spouses and their attorneys work together toward a mutually acceptable settlement.. Instead of preparing for trial, the couple and their lawyers commit to resolving all issues outside the courtroom. Everyone agrees from the outset that if the process fails and litigation becomes necessary, both attorneys will withdraw, and new counsel will take over. This ensures that everyone involved is fully committed to reaching a peaceful resolution.
The collaborative model is ideal for couples who want to maintain control over their decisions and preserve family relationships, especially when children are involved. It emphasizes communication, honesty, and respect throughout every step of the divorce process.
How the Collaborative Process Works in Illinois
A collaborative divorce follows a series of structured meetings designed to help spouses identify goals, exchange information, and work toward mutually acceptable solutions. Both parties agree to share all relevant financial and personal information voluntarily rather than through formal court discovery. Each spouse is represented by an attorney trained in collaborative law who provides guidance and advocacy without turning the process into a fight.
Sometimes, neutral professionals such as financial specialists, parenting coordinators, or mental health facilitators are included to help address specific issues like child arrangements or property valuation. These professionals act as part of the collaborative team, focusing on problem-solving rather than winning or losing. Once the couple reaches an agreement, the attorneys prepare a written settlement and submit it to the court for approval, finalizing the divorce.
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce
A collaborative divorce offers many advantages for couples who want to handle their separation with care and integrity. A collaborative divorce often moves faster than a contested divorce because there are fewer court appearances and delays. The process also tends to cost less, since both spouses share information openly and work toward settlement instead of litigation.
Most importantly, a collaborative divorce keeps the decision-making power in your hands. You and your spouse design the outcome rather than allowing a judge to decide for you. The process also encourages cooperation, which is particularly valuable when you share children and must continue communicating as co-parents. By resolving disputes in a respectful environment, families can begin the next chapter with a stronger foundation for the future.
Collaborative Divorce vs. Traditional Divorce
A traditional divorce often involves a series of court filings, formal discovery requests, and contested hearings. The process can take months or even years and often increases hostility between spouses. A collaborative divorce takes the opposite approach. It removes the threat of court and focuses on teamwork and mutual problem-solving.
Rather than relying on legal motions and judges, the couple and their attorneys meet face-to-face to resolve issues directly. This approach helps reduce the emotional toll of divorce and often results in agreements that are more practical and tailored to each family’s needs. It also allows both parties to preserve privacy, since the details of the negotiations remain confidential rather than becoming part of the public court record.
When Collaborative Divorce Works Best
Collaborative divorce works best when both spouses share a willingness to cooperate and communicate honestly. It is particularly effective for couples who want to protect their children from the negative effects of litigation, who wish to preserve a positive co-parenting relationship, and who prefer to handle their divorce quietly and privately.
It may not suit situations involving hidden finances, refuses to participate in good faith, or when there are concerns about safety or power imbalance. In those cases, other forms of dispute resolution, such as mediation or traditional representation, may be more appropriate. Kari Cornelison carefully evaluates each situation and guides whether collaborative divorce is the best path forward.
Issues Resolved Through Collaborative Divorce
The process remains cooperative, but both parties must resolve all major legal issues before the court can finalize the divorce. These include property and debt division, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance. The collaborative process creates a constructive space to discuss each topic constructively and arrive at fair, balanced solutions that reflect both parties’ priorities.
Kari Cornelison works directly with clients to ensure every agreement follows Illinois law and addresses all critical details. Her attention to detail and understanding of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act help clients avoid future disputes and maintain stability long after the divorce is complete.
Why Work With Kari Cornelison
Kari Cornelison focuses her career on family law and delivers a straightforward, compassionate approach. She understands that most people going through divorce want to resolve matters quickly, fairly, and without unnecessary hostility. With two decades of experience in DuPage County and Cook County courts, she brings both local insight and practical problem-solving skills to every case.
Her commitment to settlement-based family law sets her apart from many traditional divorce attorneys. She believes clients should have the opportunity to protect their families and that clients should have an opportunity to protect their families while securing their future. Through her guidance, clients are able to maintain control of the process and reduce the stress often associated with divorce litigation.
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Serving Clients Across DuPage and Cook County
From her office in Oak Brook, Kari Cornelison serves clients throughout DuPage County and Cook County, including Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Lombard, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Naperville, and Wheaton. By practicing exclusively in family law, she delivers focused and experienced representation in every case.
Contact Kulerski & Cornelison
If you are considering a collaborative divorce in DuPage or Cook County, you deserve an attorney who understands how to balance efficiency, fairness, and compassion. Kari Cornelison will help you determine whether this process is right for your situation and guide you every step of the way.
Contact Kulerski & Cornelison today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about how collaborative divorce can help you reach a fair and peaceful resolution.
Collaborative Divorce FAQs
1. What is collaborative divorce, and how is it different from traditional divorce in Illinois?
Collaborative divorce is a cooperative process where both spouses and their attorneys work together to settle without going to court. Unlike traditional divorce, which often involves contested hearings and formal discovery, collaborative divorce focuses on open communication, voluntary information-sharing, and problem-solving. Both sides commit to resolving all issues outside the courtroom.
Collaborative divorce works best for spouses who are willing to communicate honestly, share financial information, and work together respectfully. It is especially beneficial for couples who want to protect their children from conflict and maintain a positive co-parenting relationship.
Depending on the needs of the case, neutral specialists may join the collaborative team. These may include financial professionals, parenting coordinators, child specialists, or mental health facilitators. Their role is to help the couple address specific issues constructively and efficiently.
Yes. Collaborative divorce is designed to reduce conflict and promote cooperation. Because the process emphasizes respectful communication and shared decision-making, it helps parents focus on their children’s needs and maintain a healthier co-parenting relationship.
If the collaborative process fails, both attorneys must withdraw, and each spouse must hire new counsel for litigation. This requirement reinforces everyone’s commitment to reaching a resolution outside the courtroom.
All key divorce issues can be addressed collaboratively, including division of property and debts, parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, and spousal maintenance. The goal is to reach balanced agreements that comply with Illinois law and reflect both parties’ priorities.
