If you and your spouse have decided to divorce, things may feel a little uncertain. You may be wondering how the process will work, how decisions will be made and what the final outcome will be.
The divorce process can look very different for different people. Essentially, you have two options: You can refuse to compromise and fight for what you want in court, or you and your spouse can work out a final agreement together through negotiations.
While the approach you take is up to you, many people find a collaborative divorce to be best.
What is collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce is the process of using negotiations to reach a final agreement outside of court. You and your spouse would each have your own lawyer to ensure your rights and best interests are protected. However, instead of fighting over the outcome in the courtroom, a collaborative approach allows you to work through the components of your divorce together in order to reach an agreement you can both live with.
3 reasons to choose collaborative divorce
While negotiating the terms of your divorce with your ex may not sound like fun, a collaborative approach has numerous benefits:
- It is less expensive. Taking your divorce to court usually means having to pay court fees and additional attorney fees. Most people can avoid these extra costs through collaborative divorce.
- It takes less time. When you resolve your divorce in court, you work on the court’s schedule. This could mean hearings are scheduled out far in advance, drawing out the process. In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse set the schedule, giving you the opportunity to finalize your divorce more quickly.
- You can get better results. In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse work together to set the final terms of your agreement. You know what works for your kids and each other, which is why most people are able to reach an agreement that everyone can live with. When you let a judge – someone who doesn’t know you or your situation – decide the final outcome, you could end up with an agreement that’s difficult for everyone.
A collaborative divorce is a viable option for most spouses who are willing to work with each other to reach an agreement. However, it is very important to have an experienced attorney on your side to ensure you are considering all possibilities and ultimately reach a fair agreement.
