Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, P.C.

  • Established in 1941
  • Firm Size 66

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    4.7/5.0 (64)
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Collaborative Divorce

A divorcing couple's decision on how they divorce is therefore very important. Collaborative divorce is designed as an alternative to litigation and encourages problem-solving and construction communication to reach a settlement that is agreeable to both parties.

The collaborative divorce process begins with the divorcing parties, their attorneys and other professionals (if desirable) entering into a binding contract not to litigate the divorce. Before the case is even filed, the spouses agree to negotiate constructively to reach a divorce settlement. If the collaborative settlement efforts fail and the case proceeds to litigation, the contract requires all professionals to end their representation.

The collaborative spouses and their collaborative divorce attorneys hold a series of meetings where the attorneys advise and assist, but the spouses negotiate crucial elements such as custody and parenting time, spousal support, property, and other concerns. To promote civility, co-parenting skills and positive post-divorce communication, the spouses might agree to bring in additional collaboratively-trained professionals, such as financial professionals, mental health professionals, child specialists (psychologist or social worker) and/or divorce coaches.

Because the collaborative approach involves the direct participation of attorneys in divorce settlement negotiations and a multi-disciplinary team approach, it is well suited to cases involving complex financial or custody issues, or where spouses have unequal financial expertise or negotiating skills. Collaborative (and out-of-court) divorce requires both parties to fully disclose assets without court order, to negotiate in good faith, to respect agreements and to consider the legitimate needs of children or the other party. If either or both parties refuse to do so, the litigation approach may be preferable.

Experience

Not too long ago, an attorney could offer little other than the litigation model for divorce. But the legal profession has joined with other professionals (including psychologists, accountants, social workers and others), to create new alternatives. Many lawyers now offer their clients pathways to avoid litigation, including collaborative divorce, mediated divorce and collaboration. Smith Haughey attorneys are certified in the collaborative divorce process and are trained mediators.

• Collaborative Divorce

• Mediated Divorce

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Diversity

The practice of law is, by definition, the pursuit of social justice. So it should come as no surprise that equal opportunity is woven into the very fabric of our firm. Our mission is to fully apreciate and understand the value of diversity among our employees, clients, and our community. We consistently work to enhance the diversity in our firm and community and to incorporate the values of diversity into our firm's vision, culture, policies and practices. We have implemented a variety of programs designed to help all of us at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge live these principles every day. These include everything from participating in the Grand Rapids Bar Association Clerkship Diversity Program to sending employees to a two-day workshop at the Community Institute for Healing Racism to supporting programs that get abused women on their feet and back in the workforce. We also have a diversity committee comprised of 25 attorneys and staff members from all four of our offices who meet regularly to direct the firm's efforts. We are proud that 60% of our workforce is female and that in the past five years 40% of our new attorneys have been female. In addition to 20 female attorneys, nine of whom are shareholders, women hold all of the firm's top management positions. Our goal is to provide our employees and clients with the skill, understanding, experience, and creativity to attain their goals in a diverse world.

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