When many married individuals think of divorce, they immediately think of a protracted court battle. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Many couples can alter for a collaborative divorce. Here’s what you should know:
What is a collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce is often considered a better option than traditional divorce litigation because it can reduce fighting and animosity. Ultimately, the goal is to help both parties find a way to get what they really want – without hurting the other party’s interests. The collaborative process focuses on real solutions, not a “winner take all” mentality.
Who’s involved in a collaborative divorce?
During the process, each spouse is represented and advised by an attorney to assist in facilitating discussions leading to agreements and eliminate the financial and emotional distress that could happen in court battles.
You’ll be asked what’s important to you after divorce. You may wish to have financial security and stability after divorce, or maybe you’re mostly concerned about the well-being and a maintaining a meaningful relationship with your children. Once your true goals (and your spouse’s goals) are identified, real negotiations can begin.
You will also have several other professionals will make up your interdisciplinary team to help you and your spouse through the collaborative divorce process. A financial professional often gathers a couple’s financial data, and they may even establish a post-divorce budget for each party. This can help when it comes time to discuss the division of assets and debts and matters of support.
Trained mental health professionals will also be involved. Their job is to help build a parenting plan and discuss communication techniques that are meant to keep the process moving without conflict so that you and your spouse can co-parent together after your divorce.
You may even have a child specialist join the collaborative team to serve as a neutral representative to discuss your children’s needs, if such exist.
How does the collaborative divorce process conclude?
Once you and your spouse discuss what you want from the divorce and come to terms, your attorneys will draft an agreement to present to the court. When successful, you won’t even have to stand before a judge to determine the outcome of your collaborative divorce – and that makes for less expense and less long-term damage.
Collaborative divorce is a creative method of looking after your family and coming to a resolution that maintains the integrity of your family. Click here for a video on Collaborative Divorce Process
If this sounds like the right choice for your divorce then you may want to seek legal help with a Collaboratively trained professional.
