If a divorcing couple is willing to negotiate and work together, then collaborative divorce is the ideal legal process of untying the knot. Due to the lack of lengthy court proceedings associated with regular divorces, collaborative divorce saves time, money, and stress. If the couple has a history of domestic violence or can’t communicate respectfully, then that couple will need to opt for a contested divorce.
Understanding Collaborative Divorce
A collaborative divorce is a legal approach that allows a divorcing couple to negotiate and resolve divorce conflicts amicably, avoiding adversarial litigation. It allows couples to have more control over the divorce settlement outcome.
Divorcing couples often experience intense emotions, such as anger and frustration, which can at times lead to an acrimonious end. The collaborative divorce process allows couples to arrive at a win-win situation on sensitive matters, such as property division, family business division, visitation, and child support.
Benefits of Opting for a Collaborative Law Divorce
A couple willing to work together for a mutually beneficial outcome of the divorce process can benefit massively from this alternative method of untying the knot. The benefits include:
Creating a Win-Win Scenario
This divorce process allows a divorcing couple to resolve conflicts by solely focusing on a positive outcome that is acceptable to each party. Collaborative law requires couples to sign a Collaborative Participation Agreement before embarking on their collaborative divorce process. The agreement affirms that a couple is willing to work together to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution.
Reduction in Divorce Costs
Divorce litigation can be lengthy and expensive. The collaborative process saves time largely due to the quick resolution of disputes mainly driven by a couple that is willing to collaborate. The legal fees can also be less mainly because of the short time it takes to initiate the process and reach an agreement.
Staying in Control of the Entire Divorce Process
The collaborative process allows couples to maintain privacy and control over their divorce process. A couple that opts to involve the court in the divorce process loses the advantage of influencing the outcome. A court ruling can at times be unfavorable to one party, resulting in a win-loss scenario.
Enhanced Focus on Children
Collaborative law allows a divorcing couple with children to establish a positive post-divorce relationship. The collaborative process allows the couple to develop a flexible parenting plan that works for both parties. This allows the couple to reduce the impact of divorce on children.
