A collaborative divorce is a process where the parties to the divorce work as a team with their attorneys and various professionals, such as a tax consultant, a child psychologist, a mental health professional, and others, to resolve their issues without court intervention. It is particularly beneficial to couples with children and helps them make parenting plans agreed to by both parents.
One of the benefits of a collaborative divorce is it gives a party who is full of anger a chance to work with a mental health professional so he or she can learn to control the anger, or let it go completely. If a person is really angry or resentful, they can schedule a meeting with just the mental health team member. This type of “off-line” meeting saves money since the other team professionals, such as the financial expert, child custody specialist, or child psychologist, don’t need to attend. Then, after the emotional issue is addressed, the team can meet at another collaborative session.
Most cases of divorce involve some level of anger, which seems to be on a spectrum. But even if there is a history of anger for one or both spouses, possibly even a history of family violence, the case can still be resolved in the collaborative process. In some situations, the anger may be suppressed. The person says, “of course I’m not angry!” But that person can still benefit from the collaborative process.
Benefits of the Team Approach to Anger Issues
One real beauty of the collaborative team approach to divorce is that if the mental health professional sees the need, they can recommend that the angry party should see their own private therapist or counselor, or pastoral counselor. After those sessions begin, and the anger has lessened, another team meeting can occur.
Courts Consider Getting Help for a Problem a Positive Thing
In most situations, there is no stigma with the Judge when a party gets counseling. In fact, it is often viewed as a positive thing. The Judge can be impressed that someone has recognized they have a problem, say with depression or anger, for which they sought treatment. This is much better than for a person to ignore or deny their problem, and then later spiral out of control.
For More Information About Divorce. Contact an Experienced Dallas Family Law Attorney
To schedule a free initial consultation with a Dallas Family Law Attorney, contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices at 214-420-1800.
Paula Lock Smyth has practiced law in Texas since 1985, focusing on Family Law, Probate, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce. She is a trained mediator, seasoned litigator, and one of the early adopters of Collaborative Divorce in Texas. Paula is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the College of the State Bar and the Texas Bar Foundation and has served as Past President of Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. She was a Master in the Annette Stewart Inn of Court and is a Charter Member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Her legal knowledge and decades of experience make her a trusted voice on matters that impact families across Dallas and surrounding counties.