Divorce is a matter that can be litigated. Spouses can go to court and argue over issues like property division, child support and custody, alimony and much more, if they cannot resolve their differences without judicial intervention.
Nonetheless, the reality is that very few people walk away from a litigated divorce with absolutely everything they want. Former couples often feel drained after contested and drawn-out legal proceedings.
Consequently, more and more couples are opting to embrace a collaborative approach. Collaborative law allows divorcing couples to protect their rights while focusing on mutual resolutions. The following are some of the key reasons to think about pursuing a collaborative divorce, if your marriage is coming to an end.
You can potentially save yourself time and money
Divorce isn’t cheap, particularly when it is heavily litigated. Couples have to pay attorney fees, court fees and other costs for several months or potentially years during a litigated divorce. A collaborative divorce operates much differently. Collaboration requires all parties to be more open with information and demands. It encourages cooperation and compromise while still shielding the rights of each spouse.
The more peaceful a divorce is, the less time it typically takes to conclude. The potential savings can amount to tens of thousands of dollars at least. Not only that, but spouses and their children (if they have children) can move on to the next chapter of their lives relatively quickly.
Reduced conflict
Neither spouse tends to enjoy the divorce process. Attending court once can be stressful, let alone having to attend numerous times over many months to argue over contested issues. It has been shown that litigated divorces can contribute to both physical and mental health issues for adults and children. Collaboration means that arguments are kept to a minimum. This reduction in conflict gives all parties a better chance of avoiding damage to their well-being.
If you’re considering a collaborative divorce, it is important to arm yourself with as much legal information as possible, so that you can be as empowered as possible by whichever approach you choose.