According to Psychology Today, the rate of divorce increases with each marriage. About two-thirds of second marriages and nearly three-quarters of third marriages end in divorce. There are many reasons why this occurs.

Once you survive your first divorce, you know that you can handle it again. Although it can be difficult, knowing that there’s a chance for new happiness at the end is encouraging. Since you’ve already gone through the divorce process, you may approach your second marriage differently, almost as if to protect yourself in the event of another divorce.

Whatever your reasons for ending your marriage, a collaborative divorce can offer you an outcome-driven approach. Rather than spending hours in a courtroom going over discovery documents, you and your spouse will work with your attorneys and other collaborative professionals to make decisions. Collaborative divorce involves reaching a mutually agreeable outcome, rather than fighting to “win.” Here’s how it can help:

Splitting Your Finances

By the time you’re ready to enter a second marriage, you will likely have more assets, debts and even children. Conversations about money, values and expectations are likely to arise before you make a serious commitment. Many couples protect themselves by creating a prenuptial agreement before proceeding with any wedding plans. Having this document in place can make it easier to sort out matters when the time comes to divorce.

Rather than fighting over who gets what, a prenup can help you be better equipped to sort out your property. Addressing your pre-marital property in a prenup will allow you to focus on brainstorming solutions for community property during your divorce. The two of you will work together to agree on a suitable arrangement regarding assets, debts, alimony (spousal maintenance) and child support.

Dividing Real Estate

In a traditional divorce, couples often sell their house and split the profits, even if it isn’t what they both want. Collaborative divorce gives you the flexibility to work together to come to an agreement that’s in the best interest of your family. In some cases, that may mean selling the house and using the profits to each buy a new home. Some spouses prefer to buy out their partner’s share of the house. Other times, couples choose to let their kids remain in the house and the parents rotate living there. Regardless of the option that’s right for you, the collaborative divorce process will help keep the focus on moving forward after your second marriage.

Arranging Parenting Time

Second marriages can be complicated by “yours/mine/ours” children. If you and your spouse have kids together, you’ll need to determine how they will share time with both of you and how the two of you will make decisions for them. If you have children from a previous marriage, it can be complicated to figure out parenting time schedules that allow siblings to continue to have the opportunity to spend time together.

A traditional divorce can be hard on children as they watch their parents fighting over them. With a collaborative divorce, you’ll have an opportunity to reach a suitable agreement without resorting to blaming and arguing. This can make the divorce process much easier on your family.

Collaborative Divorce After a Second Marriage

Collaborative divorce can make the process easier. If you’re ready to learn more about divorce after your second marriage, contact Best Legal Choices today.