01
Property division
Spouses can work through property, debt, financial disclosure, and settlement terms in a structured negotiation process.
Wisconsin Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce focused on resolution, not litigation.
Collaborative divorce is an alternative to courtroom litigation. It uses a problem-solving process designed to help spouses reach agreements with the support of trained legal, financial, and mental health professionals, while keeping control of the outcome outside of a judge’s hands.
Process TypeAlternative to traditional litigation
Primary GoalReach agreements without a judge deciding
Team ApproachLegal, financial, and family-focused professionals
Family FocusLong-term solutions with reduced conflict
Collaborative Family Law
What collaborative divorce means in Wisconsin.
Collaborative family law is a client-driven process for spouses who want to resolve divorce issues through negotiation and problem solving instead of courtroom conflict. Each person’s goals are identified, disagreements are addressed in structured meetings, and the parties work toward a settlement designed to benefit the entire family.
01
Client-Driven Process
The parties remain actively involved in the outcome instead of leaving key decisions to a judge.
02
Reduced Conflict
The collaborative process is designed to lower the emotional and financial strain often caused by litigation.
03
Professional Support
Legal, financial, and mental health professionals may help the family address the full picture.
04
Long-Term Solutions
The goal is a complete settlement that supports stability after the divorce is final.
Collaborative Divorce Issues
What the collaborative process can help resolve.
Collaborative divorce can address the same major issues as traditional divorce, but through a more private and problem-solving framework.
02
Child custody and placement
Parents can focus on practical parenting arrangements that support children and reduce future conflict.
03
Support and financial planning
Child support, maintenance, budgeting, and financial stability can be addressed with the help of trained professionals.
04
Communication and conflict management
The process encourages respectful communication, clear goals, and interest-based problem solving.
05
Settlement outside court
The purpose is to reach a complete agreement without the emotional and economic strain of litigation.
Common Questions
Understanding collaborative divorce.
Every case is different. These answers are general information and not a substitute for legal advice about your specific situation.
What is collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a process where spouses and trained professionals work together to reach agreements without traditional courtroom litigation.
How is it different from litigation?
Litigation asks a judge to decide disputed issues. Collaborative divorce focuses on negotiation, problem solving, and agreements shaped by the parties.
Who can benefit from collaborative divorce?
It may be helpful for spouses who want privacy, a structured negotiation process, and a lower-conflict approach to divorce.
Does collaborative divorce still require an attorney?
Yes. Each party should have legal guidance. The attorney’s role is to help protect the client’s interests while supporting the collaborative process.
Collaborative Planning
A process designed around privacy, clarity, and agreement.
Collaborative divorce works best when both parties commit to honest disclosure, productive meetings, and a shared goal of resolving the case outside litigation.
What to Prepare
Financial documents, parenting goals, property and debt information, support concerns, and long-term family priorities are typically important to review.
What to Expect
The process usually includes structured meetings, issue identification, negotiation, professional input when needed, and written settlement terms.
Collaborative Divorce Attorneys
Experienced family law counsel for collaborative solutions.
Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. helps families evaluate whether collaborative divorce, mediation, cooperative divorce, negotiation, or litigation is the right path forward.
Attorney
Linda S. Vanden Heuvel
Trained collaborative divorce attorney and experienced Wisconsin family law counsel for divorce, custody, mediation, settlement negotiations, and litigation.
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Attorney
Lisa M. Vanden Heuvel
Family law guidance involving divorce, adoption, paternity, mediation, custody, and Guardian ad Litem matters.
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Find Us
Four Locations Across Wisconsin
Conveniently located to serve you, no matter where in Wisconsin you are.
Germantown
W175N11086 Stonewood Dr
Germantown, WI 53022
West Bend
246 S 5th Ave.
West Bend, WI 53095
Sister Bay
10589 S Highland Rd., Suite 9
Sister Bay, WI 54234
Sturgeon Bay
342 Louisiana Street
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Considering Collaborative Divorce?
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If you and your spouse are considering a collaborative divorce, speak with Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. to understand whether this process fits your goals, family, and legal situation.
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