At a minimum, it will take approximately 3 joint team meetings for a collaborative divorce.  The first collaborative joint team meeting typically consists of signing all the necessary legal documents and identifying both your and your spouse’s interests and goals.  In other words, what do each of you envision your divorce relationship to look like when it’s all said and done?  For example, is it a goal for you and your spouse remain friends after the divorce?  Is it a goal to keep your 401k intact?  Identifying your goals and interests in the collaborative divorce process is important and should not be skipped because the collaborative team strives to move towards your goals and interests each step of the way. 

If you are ready to move forward on the fast track, the second joint meeting consist of option development in dividing your marital assets and liabilities and finalizing any parenting plan issues.  Lastly, the final meeting is typically a reviewing and signing the agreed final divorce decree. 

Not all couples are able to move this quickly collaboratively to finalize their divorce.  To do so, requires you and your spouse to be emotionally ready and well prepared for every meeting.   If more time is needed that is not a problem, the end of your marriage sometimes can not be rushed and the collaborative team is there to help.

In the collaborative process, Texas Family Code Sections 6.603(f) and 153.0072(f) require the parties to file periodic status reports with the presiding court until a settlement is reached or the collaborative process is terminated. The 1st report is required no later than the 180th day after the date of written agreement to use the collaborative procedures. If need, the court is required to grant the continuance if the status report indicated the desire of the parties to continue to use the collaborative law process.

There is a 2 yr time limit. If the collaborative law procedures do not result in a settlement on or before the 2nd anniversary the suit was filed, the court has the options of setting the suit for trial on the regular docket or dismissing the suit without prejudice. Tex. Fam. Code §§6.603(g), 153.0072(g).

To reach The Law Office of Shannon M. Sears, P.C., please call 817-442-9880  or  214-709-3409

Collaborative law is a voluntary process that requires a written agreement of parties and their lawyers.  A party cannot participate unless represented by a lawyer.  There is no judical intervention (except the memorialized agreements).  The court process is suspended.  The collaborative lawyers may not serve as litigation counsel in the matter. They must withdraw if a settlement is not reached.

In 2001, Texas became the 1st state in the U.S. to pass statutes specifically authorizing collaborative law.  The Texas Family Code has 2 mirroring statutes which are §6.603 and §153.0072.  Section 6.603 was enacted to address collaborative law in divorce actions while Section 153.002 covers all suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

To reach The Law Office of Shannon M. Sears, P.C., please call 817-442-9880  or  214-709-3409

The Law Office of Shannon M. Sears is sponsoring Polka Dances at Southlake’s ninth annual Oktoberfest celebration. The three-day festival takes place October 1st through the 3rd at Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main Street, Southlake, 76092. It features a wide variety of entertainment and activities for adults and kids alike, and is free admission to the public. Hours of operation are Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

October 1-3, 2010
Hours of Operation:
Friday, Oct. 1st 5-11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 2nd 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 3rd 12-5 p.m.

“Our goal is for Oktoberfest to offer the community a family-oriented event that everyone can enjoy,” said Dana Davis, President of the Southlake Chamber of Commerce. “We want to build on the great events already offered in Southlake throughout the year, such as Art in the Square and the July 3rd Stars and Stripes celebration.”

Oktoberfest features nearly 100 arts and crafts exhibitors showcasing their wares. Careful consideration goes into selecting high quality vendors to ensure all of their items are made by hand. In addition, a variety of food vendors will be present, offering everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to funnel cakes and ice cream. In keeping with the German spirit, a variety of beer and wine will be available along with plenty of bratwurst.

Entertainment will be abundant throughout the weekend. Jeff Allen will perform on Friday night and Le Freak will take the stage on Saturday evening. Other performances include Professor D and Texas Gypsies on Sunday afternoon.

The wildly popular Wiener Dog Races, sponsored by Harris Methodist Southlake and Metro Pet Service, is one of the most anticipated events during the weekend and draws dogs and people alike from all around the state of Texas and beyond. The entry is $10 and the registration begins Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with official heats beginning at 11:00 a.m. The races are near the Southlake Town Square pavilion. Another record year with over 100 dogs lining up at the gates is expected, with the top three wieners receiving trophies to proudly display! Come early to get a good seat.

For a complete schedule of events at Southlake’s Oktoberfest 2010, visit The Southlake Chamber of Commerce website and stop by our booth to win a free will package from The Law Office of Shannon M. Sears.

1)      The two of you are in control of the outcome

2)      Collaborative method generally costs less than litigation

3)      Collaborative lawyers work for settlement and do not go to court – therefore, they do not approach the divorce process in an adversarial way

4)      The process makes it much easier for you and your spouse to maintain ongoing relationships ( some of my clients even live in the same house during the whole divorce process)

5)      If you have children, it keeps them out of the conflict and the conflict to a minimum.

Share written information with your spouse.  There are lots of news and magazine articles you can find on the Internet.  Try to explain a “smart” divorce in your own words.  Call my office for a free collaborative brochure.  I will be happy to send you one so you can share it with your spouse.  Or if you prefer after an initial consultation with me, I can write a letter to your spouse explaining the process.  The key is education.  Most people don’t know the collaborative divorce process exists and if they go to an attorney that is not trained in the process then they may never find out.

To reach The Law Office of Shannon M. Sears, P.C., please call 817-442-9880  or  214-709-3409