Collaborative Divorce Benefits: Breaking Up Without Breaking Down
Collaborative divorce allows couples to end their marriage with dignity, respect, and cooperation. It focuses on finding common ground and crafting a solution for both parties. This alternative to litigation involves a team of professionals, including collaborative lawyers, financial advisers, and mental health experts, who work together to support and help the couple reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. The collaborative structure is designed to help spouses avoid the emotional and financial toll of a protracted legal battle and instead create a mutually beneficial agreement prioritizing the needs of everyone involved. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of collaborative divorce and why it can be a smart choice for couples looking to break up without breaking down. So, whether you’re considering divorce or want to learn more about this innovative approach, keep reading to discover the advantages of collaborative divorce.
What Is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a process in which both spouses work together to reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. In this alternative to traditional divorce proceedings, the spouses agree not to litigate or threaten to litigate. Instead, in a collaborative divorce, both spouses agree to work together to reach a mutually beneficial settlement. The process is facilitated by a team of professionals trained and experienced in collaborative divorce, including collaborative divorce lawyers, financial advisers, and mental health experts. Collaborative divorce aims to find a solution that works for everyone involved and to do so respectfully and cooperatively.
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The Collaborative Divorce Team
Collaborative divorce involves a team of professionals who work together to help the couple reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. The team typically includes collaborative lawyers, financial advisers, and mental health experts. Each team member has a specific role to play in the collaborative divorce process.
- Collaborative lawyers are specially trained to help couples navigate the collaborative divorce process. They work closely with their clients to help them agree on the terms of their divorce. Collaborative lawyers focus on finding common ground and crafting a solution benefiting both spouses.
- Financial experts are also an important part of the collaborative divorce team. They help the couple understand their financial situation and ensure the divorce terms are fair and equitable. Financial advisers can also help the couple develop a plan for managing their finances after the divorce.
- Mental health advisors are also an essential part of the collaborative divorce team. They help the couple manage the emotional aspects of the divorce and ensure that everyone involved is coping well. Mental health experts can also help the couple develop a parenting plan that works for everyone involved.
Read: What Role Does a Financial Expert Play in the Collaborative Divorce Process?
How to Choose a Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Choosing the right collaborative divorce attorney is essential for a successful collaborative divorce. The attorney you choose should be trained and accomplished in collaborative divorce. They should also be someone you trust and feel comfortable working with. Freed Marcroft’s attorneys are experienced in all types of Connecticut divorce — mediation, collaboration, and litigation. This makes us particularly well-suited to help you decide which approach is best for you and your goals.
Collaborative Process Step By Step
The collaborative structure involves several steps. The process typically begins with an initial session with your collaborative divorce lawyer. During this meeting, your lawyer will explain collaborative divorce and answer any questions you may have. If you aren’t sure the collative divorce process is right for you, this is the time to explore than with your attorney.
Once both spouses have agreed to proceed with collaborative divorce, the next step is to assemble the collaborative divorce team. The team most often includes collaborative lawyers, a financial adviser, and a mental health expert. You may meet with your divorce coach (a primary role of the mental health expert) to discuss what matters most to you before the first team meeting.
The collaborative divorce process typically involves several meetings between the couple and the collaborative divorce team. During these meetings, the team will work with the couple to develop a settlement agreement that is fair and equitable. Sometimes, you and your spouse will meet with just the financial or mental health expert to work on a specific item. For example, you might meet with the financial expert to create budgets or run projections or with the divorce coach to decide on a holiday parenting schedule.
Once you reach a settlement agreement, a judge must approve it before it becomes a legal court order.
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Benefits of Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce provides a framework and resources to help spouses who decide to resolve their divorce out of court stay out of court. There are many good reasons to settle your marriage independently rather than litigating and asking a judge to rule. First, both spouses retain more control over the outcome and, by extension, their future. Second, collaborative divorce proceeds at the couple’s pace, not the court’s pace. This means that it generally proceeds more efficiently than a litigated divorce. Finally, although collaborative divorce is not a bargain option — it’s for serious people who take their financial future, their future, and their children’s future dead seriously — it is also less expensive than a divorce trial.
Collaborative divorce sets you up to reach more thoughtful and successful out-of-court resolutions because you have the benefit of a team of experts focused on the best overall approach, not on the battle. It’s also especially helpful in preserving the relationship between the couple, especially if you have children.
Read: What Every Couple Should Know About Collaborative Divorce
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Collaborative Divorce and Mediation?
Collaborative divorce and mediation are both alternatives to traditional divorce proceedings. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps the couple reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. Collaborative divorce, on the other hand, consists of a team of professionals who work together to help the couple reach an agreement. In addition, your lawyer is by your side at the collaborative table.
Read: What Are the Big Differences Between Mediation and Collaborative Divorce?
What Is the Difference Between Collaborative Divorce and Litigation?
Collaborative divorce and litigation are two very different approaches to divorce. Litigation involves going to court and having a judge decide the terms of the divorce. Collaborative divorce, on the other hand, consists of working together to find a solution that works for everyone involved. In addition, both spouses must agree to a collaborative divorce — one spouse alone can’t make the decision.
Is Collaborative Divorce Right for Everyone?
Collaborative divorce is not suitable for everyone. It is typically best suited for couples willing to work together to find a solution that works for everyone involved. This doesn’t mean that they have to agree on everything or that there can’t be any tension. Examples of situations where collaborative divorce might not be the best approach include when there’s been domestic violence or when a spouse is experiencing significant mental health or substance abuse issues impacting their ability to communicate and decide.
Can Collaborative Divorce Be Used in High Conflict Cases?
Collaborative divorce can be used in high-conflict cases, but it may not be the best option depending on the circumstances. For example, if there is a history of abuse or active substance abuse, or one party is unwilling or unable to cooperate, traditional divorce proceedings may be necessary.
Collaborative Divorce Myths Debunked
Several myths about collaborative divorce are simply not true. For example, one of the most common myths is that collaborative divorce is only for wealthy couples. In reality, collaborative divorce is an option couples with varying finances — especially given how well it works supporting healthy co-parenting down the road. It provides a structure designed to decrease conflict, which, although it does not come at no cost, typically avoids litigation or a divorce trial. Divorce trials are what are most likely to result in high legal fees.
Another common myth is that collaborative divorce is only for couples who get along. In reality, collaborative divorce can be a great option for couples willing to engage the support they need to work together to find a solution that works for everyone involved.
Next Steps
Collaborative divorce is a smart choice for couples looking to end their marriage with dignity, respect, and cooperation. Couples can avoid the emotional and financial toll of a protracted legal battle by working together to find a solution that works for everyone involved. Collaborative divorce offers several benefits over traditional divorce proceedings, including lower costs, more control over the outcome, and less emotional stress. If you are considering divorce, collaborative divorce may be the right choice for you.