Enough tension exists in your marriage as you and your spouse pursue divorce. One divorce option that may prevent that tension from growing is the collaborative divorce route.
In collaborative divorce each of you plays major roles in the divorce agreement. As a married couple, you were able to solve a number of problems. Now, that you are going through divorce, the two of you rely on that same problem-solving approach, while ensuring more privacy than if you had gone through litigation.
Negotiate and collaborate
This divorce option allows you and your spouse work together in negotiating the terms of your divorce.
Typically, in collaborative divorce, you and your spouse meet in a conference room, accompanied by your respective attorneys who provide valuable insight during the negotiations.
But remember, not just any family law attorney may represent you in the collaborative divorce process. These attorneys must have completed training in collaborative divorce.
Cost savings, honest discussions and privacy
Advantages of collaborative divorce include:
- Saving of time: The two of you direct the discussions and are not beholden to a courtroom judge’s calendar. You know what you want to accomplish and get down to it.
- A great amount of cost savings: Litigation is expensive compared with the cost of collaborative divorce.
- Honest discussions: In an informal setting, you and your estranged spouse are more likely to have open exchanges leading toward resolution.
- You set the terms: This occurs as you negotiate and collaborate en route to an agreed-upon goal. In essence, the two of you are in control.
- More privacy: The informal setting provides you with more privacy compared with a courtroom. This may provide you with a better sense of comfort and little chance to feel inhibited.
In leading the discussions, you known the importance of coming to an agreement. With collaborative divorce, the control is in your hands.
Mature adults coming to a resolution
Understand that you will have some initial disagreements, but as mature adults you expect to make compromise solutions on matters such as child support, child custody, alimony and division of assets. Collaborative divorce may not be right for everyone, but it may be right for you.