A collaborative divorce is an option for divorcing couples who want to save time, money and acrimony during their divorce process. Collaborative divorce is an alternative to the traditionally-litigated divorce that can be beneficial for divorcing couples in a variety of ways.
The benefits of collaborative divorce can include:
- It can save time.
- It can save money.
- It’s a more private process.
- It happens in a more informal setting.
- There’s more of an open exchange of information.
- It can provide a better framework for divorce settlements.
- Couples often have an easier time reaching a compromise.
The collaborative divorce process takes place in a different setting than divorce litigation. It can help separating couples negotiate divorce-related concerns, including property division, child custody, child support and spousal support. When divorcing couples utilize the collaborative law divorce process, they work together to reach shared agreements both spouses can live with. Another benefit is that it can give couples more control over their divorce and its outcomes.
The collaborative divorce process requires a commitment and that the divorcing couple can work together to resolve their divorce-related concerns. The divorcing couple agrees not to go to court to resolve their divorce and if they do, their respective counsels must withdraw according to the collaborative divorce agreement. For a successful collaborative divorce, the process requires the couple to engage in an open and honest exchange of information.
Because the couple will not spend their time on a variety of divorce-related disputes, the collaborative divorce process can save them time, money and bad feelings that can also hurt children. Because of the possible benefits of the collaborative divorce process for divorcing couples, children and families, it is worth it for couples who have made the difficult decision to divorce to understand the potential value of the collaborative divorce process and how it works.