Many people view divorce as a litigious, bitter experience – with two people who used to love each other fighting through the end. That may seem unacceptable to you, even if you want to dissolve your marriage.
Fortunately, there are alternatives for couples who want to divorce more peacefully, especially if they need to continue working together to parent their children. One option couples utilize when they want this experience is collaborative divorce.
Working toward a resolution together
In a collaborative divorce, both parties – who hire their own attorneys to represent them – sign an agreement dedicating to work together on a divorce resolution outside of court. They also select other professionals, such as financial advisors and mental health professionals, to discuss their issues.
Discussions can naturally become heated for divorcing couples but working through a collaborative process with other parties can bring those conversations back to a productive place. It can help couples tackle hard subjects and make mutual decisions.
Beneficial for both parties
Couples who utilize collaborative divorce often find it is a less time-consuming process, and thus less expensive. They have better flexibility to focus on what matters most to them and their family, not what a court deems is or is not a priority. A collaborative divorce can also help couples to maintain respect for one another and, because proceedings stay out of court, it can offer privacy for both parties.
Collaborative divorce is not for everyone, but for couples who are open to the process, it can be a much better solution than litigation.