Collaborative Divorce

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

Divorce doesn’t always have to be a bitter, adversarial process. In fact, the traditional litigation approach often pits spouses against each other, turning them into opponents. Collaborative Divorce offers a more peaceful alternative that allows couples to work together to find solutions in a less stressful, more cooperative environment.

In a Collaborative Divorce, both spouses work together with specially trained attorneys to negotiate and resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. Rather than focusing on fighting for “victory,” the goal is to come up with mutually agreeable solutions that benefit everyone—especially the children.

What Are the Benefits of Collaborative Divorce?

If you’re considering whether collaborative divorce is right for you, here are the main benefits:

• Saves Time and Money
  The process tends to be quicker and more cost-effective than traditional litigation.
  
  
• Privacy and Confidentiality
  Discussions and disclosures occur in private settings, not in public courtrooms, which helps maintain confidentiality.
  
  
• Pace Control
  You can move at a pace that works for you, instead of being bound by court deadlines.
  
  
• Flexibility and Creativity
  Collaborative divorce allows for creative solutions tailored to your unique family situation.
  
  
• Third-Party Professionals
  Financial advisors, child specialists, psychologists, and other experts can be brought in to assist and help resolve any specialized issues.
  

How Does Collaborative Divorce Work?

• Agreement to Avoid Court: All parties, including attorneys, sign a “no court” agreement. If the divorce isn’t resolved through collaboration and one party decides to take the case to court, the collaborative attorneys must withdraw, and new attorneys will need to be hired.
• Finalizing the Divorce: Most collaborative divorces end with an uncontested court hearing where the divorce is finalized, making it a much smoother and less stressful process.

Why Choose Collaborative Divorce?

If you want to avoid the stress of litigation and preserve your time and money, a collaborative divorce may be the best option. Here’s why:

• Less Stress: You work together to solve problems rather than fighting against each other.
• Preserved Resources: Time, money, and emotional energy are saved because the process is more efficient.
• Creative Solutions: Collaboration allows for more flexible, customized solutions that fit your family’s needs.

Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

Collaborative divorce requires both spouses to be willing to work together. If both parties are committed to finding solutions and avoiding a courtroom battle, collaborative divorce can be a highly effective and positive approach. If you’re unsure whether collaborative divorce is right for your situation, consider consulting the collaborative divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Cara L. Santosuosso. We can help you understand the process and guide you toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.