Collaborative Divorce helps families address their issues in a non-threatening model, with an environment demanding respect and integrity. Couples have more control and learn how to create their future family dynamics working together instead of the ongoing threat of a judge deciding the outcome. Communication skills are improved upon during the process creating a more effective setting for interaction within the family during their next chapter in life.
“If only we’d known about collaborative divorce… When my ex and I decided that our marriage was truly and totally over, we vowed that we’d have the best possible divorce. After all, we’d spent half of our lives together and had a young daughter, family, and friends in common. We started out talking in a mediator’s office, which was going well… until we hit a bump and flew into opposing corners with our respective attorneys doing battle.”
When the battleground is taken out of the process, Collaborative Divorce offers the following specific advantages:
- Less Bitterness
When operating a divorce through the traditional means in a tug-of-war, wounds may never heal. This type of attack/defend setting will most likely continue post-divorce and does not model cooperation, collaboration and problem-solving behavior. Collaborative Divorce provides the structure and support that promotes methods for working through differences—this is especially valuable if children are involved.
- Lower Expenses
The total cost of divorce goes beyond the expenses incurred during the process. Most family law attorneys attribute the majority of their work-load to dealing with post-divorce conflicts. Collaborative Divorce provides a holistic approach that minimizes the need for post-divorce expenses, therefore deceasing the total cost of divorce.
The Collaborative Divorce Team dynamics also provides a diverse compensation schedule where each professional bills their associated market rates. Instead of paying an attorney $350/hour to provide all emotional and financial services, clients pay financial specialists, relationship/child professionals and other experts as needed. The fees for these other “neutral” professionals tends to be significantly lower than those of their attorney counterparts. This also allows for each professional to do what they do best, increasing the overall value and experience of the Collaborative Process.
- Quicker Results
Opting out of the court system allows the process to run at its own speed, avoiding the rigid court scheduling challenges. Case management schedules provide an expected timeline at the beginning of each case at the first Team Meeting. As the case moves along, unique tasks and deadlines will be assigned to specific individuals to keep the case moving forward and to provide accountability.
- Custom Solution
Any issues and options can be considered during a Collaborative Divorce if it provides a possible solution. Many agreements drafted in Collaborative Divorce are unique to each family and often would not be considered during traditional divorce methods. For example, with cooperation and consideration, solutions addressing substance abuse, unemployment or other unpliable financial issues can be agreed upon in a non-threatening manner. This can provide families more control over their circumstances.
Marriage is not easy, and neither is divorce. The Collaborative Divorce Process equips families with the best foundation moving forward. Who ever said taking the ‘High Road’ was easy? Your family is worth it.