Collaborative Law

Collaborative law is a process which can help families resolve their disputes through the use of a structured legal process that provides an alternative to litigation. In a series of meetings, both sides and their attorneys work with a team of neutral third party professionals to resolve contested issues in a confidential setting. Collaborative law is not for everyone, and is not appropriate for cases that involve family violence, drug and/or alcohol addiction when the parent is not in recovery, or cases in which there is a disparity of financial or emotional power.

While the process may be the appropriate fit for you, it is not always as inexpensive as touted, and can often result in higher fees and expenses than the litigation route. Additionally, once you become involved in the collaborative law process, if the process does not work, you will have to "opt out" of the collaborative process, hire new attorneys and experts, and restart the process. This can be very expensive, but often clients are left with little choice when the collaborative process breaks down and the participants are forced with the choice of agreeing to a bad deal or starting the process over in litigation.

Many times clients are able to negotiate successfully and amicably their divorce without entering into a formal collaborative agreement. At Piper & Turner, PLLC, we attempt to make every reasonable effort to settle all of our cases. Whether this settlement process could best occur in the collaborative process is one our attorneys are well qualified to discuss with you. Both James Piper and Travis Turner have undergone extensive training and are certified as collaborative lawyers.

Whether you are considering collaborative law, or you are thinking about "opting out" of the collaborative law process, you should consult with the experienced attorneys at Piper & Turner, PLLC. Our attorneys have represented a wide range of clients who started in the collaborative process, and we can help you evaluate whether or not your case is appropriate for collaborative law.

Our experienced trial attorneys understand the ramifications of the collaborative law process and whether or not the process would work best for you and your family. Attorney James W. Piper is a Board Certified family law attorney who has been serving families throughout Texas for more than 36 years. Mr. Piper has been named a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine, is an AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, is listed in Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists and is widely considered one of the most well respected family law attorneys in Central Texas. Mr. Piper's partner, Travis L. Turner, also a Board Certified family law attorney, has been named a Rising Star by Texas Monthly Magazine and is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. Mr. Turner, with his extensive litigation and courtroom experience, has rapidly become known as one of the most prominent young family law attorneys in the Austin area. Both Mr. Piper and Mr. Turner, along with the attorneys of Piper & Turner, PLLC, form a unique and unmatched team of lawyers with the talent and experience needed to gain success for our clients both inside and outside of the courtroom.

Contact our office to schedule an opportunity to meet with one of our experienced attorneys about collaborative law. Based on our experience, we can clearly explain how Central Texas family courts are likely to view your situation and we will guide you through the entire process. Our lawyers pride themselves on offering our clients honest and realistic assessments about their cases while zealously advocating for the needs of each individual client. Let us help you achieve peace of mind about your case.

Contact us at Piper & Turner, PLLC to learn more about how we can help you weather the storm.