Serving Clients in Knox, Blount, Anderson, Loudon, Sevier & Roane Counties
divorce lawyers serving Knoxville, TN
Collaborative Divorce Held in Respect. Held in Trust.

Knoxville Collaborative Divorce Lawyers

Helping Clients Resolve Divorce without Litigation

Collaborative law is an approach that seeks to avoid the traditional adversarial litigation model in favor of a team approach to conflict resolution. Held Law Firm is specially trained in collaborative law and is committed to taking a team approach in resolving your issue. The parties agree, in a written contract, to jointly retain the necessary specialists to assist in reaching an agreement and the attorneys involved agree that neither will represent either party in court if the collaborative effort is unsuccessful.

We believe that the divorce transition can moves clients towards a more positive future, especially where co-parenting will be needed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative divorce is an excellent choice for couples who:

  • Are willing to negotiate in good faith

  • Want to prioritize their children’s well-being

  • Seek a cost-effective, private alternative to litigation

  • Have complex financial assets but wish to resolve matters amicably

  • Desire to maintain control over their divorce terms rather than leaving decisions to a judge

Suppose you are interested in resolving your collaborative divorce more peacefully and amicably. In that case, our Knoxville divorce lawyer recommends learning more about how the collaborative process can benefit you.

Connectwith Held Law Firm by calling (865) 685-4780 to book a consultation with a collaborative divorce attorney near you today.

How Does the Collaborative Law Process Work?

Litigation often causes hostility. Collaborative law is designed to prevent, limit, or end that hostility. This can be especially important in cases where, as angry as you might be with your spouse, you recognize you will have to work with them in the future to co-parent. It can also work in divorces where the parties don’t hate one another; they just don’t love each other anymore and have decided to part ways.

In collaborative law, parties and their divorce attorneys sign a contract agreeing that they will not ask the Judge to resolve their dispute. Instead, they will consult with various professionals, such as accountants, financial advisors, and child therapists; exchange information openly; and resolve their divorce themselves in advance of formally filing for divorce.

A divorce coach, typically a licensed mental health professional, helps guide the process and works with the parties to move through conflicts and aid in communication. The divorce coach keeps the process going forward and facilitates meetings. A financial specialist is employed to analyze the parties’ financial assets and options and assist with developing a plan. Sometimes, if children are involved, a child specialist may be utilized to help with the parenting plan.

The idea is for the parties to gather information from neutral resources and make informed decisions about the future of their family. The parties and their attorneys meet separately and in four-way sessions to discuss their needs, options, and to cooperate through creative problem-solving to resolve all of their issues in the private setting outside of court. Once they have come to mutually-agreeable terms, their attorneys can formalize the agreement for submission to the court.

The Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

The benefits of a collaborative resolution include:

  • A less adversarial and more amicable process where both parties and their children may face less emotional stress
  • A private process outside of the public forum of a courtroom
  • Less costly than courtroom litigation
  • Less time-consuming because it does not depend on court schedules
  • More control of deeply-personal issues as opposed to having them decided by a judge

Why Choose Held Law Firm for Your Collaborative Divorce?

Divorce does not have to be a battle. If you and your spouse are committed to a respectful separation while protecting your financial and emotional well-being, collaborative divorce may be the right solution. At Held Law Firm, we provide expert legal counsel while fostering open communication and cooperation. Our approach includes:

  • A Structured Process: Collaborative divorce follows a clear framework that promotes productive discussions and equitable resolutions.

  • Privacy and Discretion: Unlike traditional divorce litigation, which is a public record, collaborative divorce ensures your financial and personal matters remain private.

  • Customized Solutions: We help tailor agreements that meet the unique needs of your family, including property division, spousal support, and child custody.

  • Reduced Emotional and Financial Strain: By avoiding courtroom battles, you save on legal fees and minimize stress for yourself and your children.

  • Professional Support Network: Our Knoxville collaborative divorce lawyers work with financial advisors, child specialists, and therapists to ensure well-rounded solutions that address both legal and emotional aspects of divorce.

Types of Divorces Offered

At Held Law Firm, we recognize that every divorce is unique. We offer various types of divorce solutions tailored to meet your needs:

  • Collaborative Divorce: This process emphasizes cooperation and problem-solving, avoiding court litigation and fostering mutual respect between both parties.

  • Contested Divorce: When spouses cannot agree on key issues such as property division, alimony, or child custody, a contested divorce may be necessary. Our experienced litigators advocate for your best interests in court.

  • Uncontested Divorce: If both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, an uncontested divorce is the fastest and most cost-effective option. We help draft and file the necessary legal documents efficiently.

  • High-Asset Divorce: For individuals with substantial financial holdings, including business interests, investments, and real estate, we provide specialized legal strategies to protect assets and ensure equitable distribution.

Resolve Your Divorce with Help from a Knoxville Collaborative Divorce Attorney

At Held Law Firm, we believe divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. If you're ready to part ways with dignity, protect your assets, and prioritize your family's well-being, our Knoxville collaborative divorce lawyers are here to help.

Let us guide you through a peaceful, cost-effective, and private divorce process that allows you to move forward with confidence. We’ll be by your side every step of the way—ensuring fairness, transparency, and solutions that work for you.

If you are seeking a more harmonious way to transition through your divorce, we advise you to seek the help of Held Law Firm.

Learn more about the collaborative divorce process by contacting us at (865) 685-4780 today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does collaborative divorce differ from traditional divorce?

Collaborative divorce is a voluntary process where both parties work together with attorneys and professionals to reach a settlement without going to court. Traditional divorce often involves litigation and a judge making final decisions.

2. What happens if we cannot reach an agreement?

If an agreement cannot be reached, both parties must hire new attorneys for litigation. This requirement encourages both spouses to remain committed to the collaborative process.

3. How long does a collaborative divorce take?

The timeline varies, but most collaborative divorces are finalized within a few months, depending on the complexity of assets and negotiations.

4. Is collaborative divorce legally binding?

Yes. Once a settlement agreement is reached and approved by the court, it is legally binding and enforceable.

5. Can high-net-worth couples use collaborative divorce?

Absolutely. In fact, high-asset divorces benefit from this process because financial specialists can help both parties create equitable, tax-efficient settlements while avoiding costly litigation.

6. Is collaborative divorce a good option for parents?

Yes. It helps parents work together to create parenting plans that prioritize the well-being of their children, fostering a positive co-parenting relationship.

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Hear About Former Clients' Experiences
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  • “Margaret Held was excellent help with obtaining information on my divorce. She knew exactly what she was talking about and I feel confident that they are one of the best lawyer offices in Knoxville!”

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  • “Short Version: Melanie and Chelsea are a force to be reckoned with and thank God they were on my side. Do yourself a favor and go with them. **Worth the read if you are searching for a Lawyer** Long ...”

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  • “I wanted to find a firm who could help me obtain a quick, affordable divorce and Held provided just that. All members of their team were extremely responsive and informative. Never did I feel out of the loop or confused and I always felt comfortable asking”

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  • “I am so grateful to her because now I have a signed court order clearly defining visitation with my grandchild, which had previously been denied. I believe that without Margaret this would not have happened.”

    - Debra I.
  • “At no time did anyone at the firm take any action on my behalf without first having a conversation with me and getting my approval. While I hope I never have to go through a divorce again, I know I'd gladly seek their assistance again. In fact, if I ever n”

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  • “Melanie was great! She provided excellent assistance and eased our concerns throughout the process. She arranged a virtual hearing for us so we could still have a court date even as in-person meetings ...”

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  • “Very professional, extremely reasonable with fees, and most of all they truly care about their clients.”

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  • “This is my family's future, and it's the only chance I have to make it right. With my entire family's future hanging in the balance, Margaret has given my case the attention and effort it deserves.”

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  • “The Held law firm is staffed with only the best and they will fight for you in court. They cleaned up a mess made by our previous attorney, and got our case moving forward. Margaret has the experience and skills to get you the best results possible.”

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  • “I really appreciated that they were so responsive to my needs, and made sure that I had realistic expectations. There were no surprises here. They didn't let my ex push me around and were there for me every step of the way, always making time to explain to”

    - Faith B.

Why Hire held law firm?

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