The collaborative law divorce process is a beneficial process for divorcing couples to consider. Rather than sorting out divorce-related disputes through litigation and contentious exchanges between the spouses, the collaborative law divorce process is one that allows the couple to work together to reach a divorce agreement that saves time, money and bad feelings. Couples will need to resolve property division concerns, as well as spousal maintenance, child support and child custody during their divorce.
The collaborative law process involves negotiation and mediation and the couple working together to resolve divorce-related issues rather than interacting in an adversarial manner to resolve their divorce disputes and concerns. The benefits of collaborative divorce include that it is an informal setting, is less costly than divorce litigation, is less time consuming than divorce litigation, creates a setting that allows for a free exchange of information, focuses on results that work for the couple and also provides a pattern to help couples communicate in the future concerning changes and post-divorce modifications that are likely to arise down the road.
The collaborative law divorce process requires a commitment to the process and the representatives for the spouses withdraw if the divorce proceeds to court. It utilizes experts that can help with valuations, financial analysis and counseling psychological concerning child custody or other concerns. It is a process of meeting with representatives and then all together that helps couples craft a divorce settlement that is best for them and their family. It is helpful for the spouses to have a clear understanding of what they want and need to achieve from the process and their own present circumstances and future goals following the divorce.
It is always important that divorcing couples are informed concerning the divorce process and the different options available to help guide them. The family law system understands that each family is different and provides resources to help families in a variety of circumstances resolve family law concerns which are often highly personal and emotional for the parties involved.
Source: FindLaw, “How Collaborative Divorce Works: FAQs,” Accessed Dec. 13, 2016
