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COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

Is IT right for you?

One of the most common misconceptions about divorce is that you only have two options, litigation, and mediation. While there are benefits with each – there is a third option that offers a multitude of benefits for both parties. A collaborative divorce provides a fair and respectful process that focuses on working together to solve problems during a divorce. So what exactly is a collaborative divorce and is it right for you?

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The primary goal of the collaborative process is to reach an agreement out of court. This future-focused process teaches both spouses how to communicate and work together to move forward. This means all parties, including children, can enjoy a healthy new life without the emotional toll of anger or resentment.

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When you choose the collaborative process, both sides agree on who to work with. This includes attorneys and other family professionals who want to find the absolute best outcome for your family.  Both of you will sign a Collaborative Commitment Agreement binding the two of you to work together.  This Agreement applies to all aspects of the collaborative process.

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Why Collaborative Divorce

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There are some reasons many soon-to-be-ex-spouses choose a collaborative process over traditional divorce. Some of the most common reasons to choose a collaborative divorce include:

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  • It protects your privacy. This process bypasses open court proceedings and keeps your divorce out of the public record.

  • You work with a team of experts. A collaborative divorce provides access to a number of family law experts who specialize in various fields. These experts include financial, mental health, and attorneys.

  • There is a higher success rate. Because this process is voluntary, it’s more likely both sides will honor the Agreement after the divorce is final.

  • You preserve relationships. The collaborative divorce process encourages and facilitates healthy, positive relationships between everyone involved.

  • It saves you time & money. In most cases, the cost of a collaborative divorce is significantly lower than traditional divorce options.

 

A collaborative divorce isn’t right for everyone, but if you’re interested in protecting your family and your privacy, it is a great option. Both parties do not need to be per se "collaborative", rather they are picking a team that will assist them in being problem solving versus adversarial. During this process, transparency is required and trust can be rebuilt.  In doing so, families create hopeful and secure futures.

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Kristine is a contributing author on collaborative divorce practice at

Best Legal Choices. To find out more about how you can build your collaborative team, visit BestLegalChoices.com

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