Learn more about collaborative divorce below to determine if the collaborative process right for you.

What is a Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative Divorce is an out-of-court legal process enabling couples to work together to achieve a settlement that will satisfy both parties and protect their children from the harm of litigation.

Collaborative divorce happens out-of-court in a private setting. It results in a cooperatively crafted agreement between the parties about the terms on which they will end their marriage. It is typically a less stressful and more affordable path to divorce than a traditional litigated divorce.

Collaborative Divorce may be right for you if:

1. You and Your Spouse Can Work Together

In a collaborative divorce, both participants have professional guidance to help them resolve their differences. Rather than battling it out in a court room, you both work together to reach an agreement. Studies show that divorce is usually much less expensive and emotionally damaging when spouses work together to reach an agreement out-of-court.

2. You Want to Save Money on Your Divorce

As mentioned above, collaborative divorce can be more cost-effective than traditional divorce. The exact cost will vary from couple to couple as each professional on a collaborative team sets his/her own fees. Keep in mind that the cost of collaborative divorce can increase if team members, particularly the spouses, do not participate in good faith, with an eye toward making decisions for the best outcome for the family. Furthermore, when thinking about costs, you should also consider the emotional cost of divorce, especially if children are involved. Collaborative process focuses on the best outcome for children.

3. You Want the Best for Your Children

Getting a divorce can have a big emotional impact on children but the collaborative process can make it easier for them. Watching their parents fight all the time stresses kids out and can cause even more emotional damage if they have to witness a long legal battle. In addition, some parents don’t know how to tell their child(ren) they are getting a divorce or how to communicate with them about what’s going on. The collaborative process puts a strong focus on communication. A collaborative communication coach can help you develop the tools to better communicate with your children moving forward. A collaborative child specialist can give your children a voice in the process.

4. You Want to Keep Your Divorce Matters Private

The collaborative process is both confidential and private. Collaborative divorce meetings are not held in public court rooms like litigated divorce hearings are. They take place in private offices or conference rooms. There are no contested motions filed with the court, no subpoenas issued and no testimony in open court.

5. You want to Reduce Post Divorce Litigation

Collaborative process doesn’t guarantee that future issues won’t arise but it provides an opportunity for a more amicable future for your family. A large number of divorce cases end up in “post-divorce” litigation for many years after the original divorce case is over. Families that choose collaborative process choose to avoid going to court both for their divorce and for any post-divorce issues that may come up in the future. Don’t let a judge decide what your needs are. Collaborative divorce can help you and your spouse communicate and reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.

Why Choose Collaborative Divorce in Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona?

On average, collaborative divorces in Phoenix and Scottsdale can be finished faster than traditional litigation in a courthouse and can cost considerably less than conventionally litigated divorces in court. In some cases, you can be divorced in as little as 60 to 90 days, and you could each save thousands of litigation dollars.

Source:

1. Hickey, Holly. “Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You?” The Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, 9 Apr. 2018, collablawil.org/collaborative-divorce-right/.
2. “NHCLA: Is Collaborative Divorce Right for Me?” NH Collaborative Law Alliance, collaborativelawnh.org/why-collaborative-divorce/.

See Also:

• Collaborative Divorce Arizona
• What is a Collaborative Divorce?
• What is the Cost of a Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative Divorce Is a Peaceful Divorce Option

Divorce litigation can be scary and emotionally draining for you, your spouse, and your children. But it doesn’t have to be that way with collaborative divorce. The collaborative process can result in a less expensive, more efficient, and less harmful outcome for everyone involved. The legal, financial, and communication professionals at Best Legal Choices can help you navigate this difficult time in your life.