Where to start when you want a divorce
Admitting that you want a divorce is perhaps the most emotional step of the separation process. Once you know that it’s time to divorce, what is your next step? If you aren’t sure how to start your divorce process, you aren’t alone.
Where to Start When You Want a Divorce
So, you’ve finally come to terms with the conclusion that your marriage is over. It’s time for a divorce. Many people delay the decision because they dread the thought of an adversarial experience.
Fortunately, there is an alternative option. If you are ready to begin a new chapter in your life and wish to avoid the court’s involvement during the process, a collaborative divorce may be right for you.
The first step you should take is to consider potential divorce attorneys. Talk with friends, family, and co-workers who may have had a similar experience. Recommendations (or warnings) can be valuable. However, word-of-mouth shouldn’t be the only factor in your final decision.
After narrowing down your options, consult with more than one attorney before you make your decision. It’s important to choose someone who is qualified to handle your specific case. During the next few months, you will be sharing a lot of personal details with this person. Make sure you pick someone who will be a comfortable fit.
Why Choose a Collaborative Divorce?
Deciding what type of divorce experience you want is the next step. There are benefits to choosing a collaborative process when you want a divorce. In Collaboration, both you and your spouse will have your own lawyers. However, unlike a traditional divorce, the lawyers work with their own clients and with the other members of the collaborative team to mutually settle divorce issues, while avoiding court. Other benefits may include:
- Saving Time – By choosing a collaborative divorce, you won’t have to worry about taking time off for court appearances or hearings. This gives you more time to work with your soon-to-be-ex towards settling the things that matter most.
- Reducing Financial Burdens – In many cases, a collaborative divorce is significantly less expensive when compared to litigation and court proceedings.
- Preserving Relationships – A collaborative divorce can put an end to the adversarial environment typically found with traditional divorce proceedings. It helps encourage healthy relationships during, and after, the process.
- Increasing Success Rates – This is a voluntary process, and final agreements are based on a mutually desired outcome. This means couples who choose a collaborative divorce are more likely to honor contractual agreements post-divorce.
Choose Best Legal Choices to Find Your Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Once you’ve decided it’s time for a divorce, you will want to consider all of your options to move forward. A collaborative process is a great option for couples who want a divorce without the added stress of the traditional divorce process.
Best Legal Choices is committed to providing families with access to highly-skilled and experienced professionals who can help guide you through this complicated process. If it’s time to take the first step to start your divorce process, contact the professionals at Best Legal Choices.

Mary Ann Hess started her legal career at a well-established firm that focused on highly complex family law cases. That early experience gave Mary Ann litigation skills involving complex issues related to all issues involving families.