It is a well-known fact that divorces can be nasty. They can be stressful, vindictive, time-consuming, expensive, anger-fueled, emotional apocalypses if we let them. The good news? They don't have to be that way. There are other options to obtaining a divorce rather than duking it out in a courtroom. The option we want to tell you about today is what is known as collaborative law. It is becoming more common in divorce and child custody matters.
If you have ever heard the term "come to the table", then you understand the basis of a collaborative divorce. It is just that. Both parties, their respective attorneys, the children, and possibly even therapists or financial advisors literally all come to the table. It is there that all will have a calm and reasonable conversation to try to settle all outstanding matters. Negotiations and disputes take place in a respectful manner. Open communication and transparency take the place of secret conversations and strategies.
Where children are involved, collaborative law is a fantastic tool to set up future co-parenting arrangements. It allows the parties to discuss parenting styles and all other child custody considerations face to face. Not only will this gesture help children in a divorce believe that everything is going to be okay, but it also reiterates that both parents will still love and care for them. It lets them know their best interests are still a top priority. Parents who can work together to create the perfect, customized co-parenting plan are the most likely to succeed. Children may still flourish and thrive after a divorce if the parents are willing to put aside their own differences and make it work.
To ensure that collaborative divorce is given a fair shot, and entered into with correct intentions, there is one caveat. If the process fails to help the parties negotiate and finalize an agreement on all matters, then each spouse must find a new attorney to move forward. The same attorney who represents a party in a collaborative divorce may not represent that party in other divorce proceedings. Consult with an attorney who is experienced in collaborative law to find out if it is right for your situation.
Tags: Collaborative Law
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