When you watch divorces play out on TV or in the movies, there is often considerable stress and strife involved. Often, the two former partners find themselves competing with one another for the court’s favor, which can impact not only the emotions of both parties, but also those of any children involved in the mix.
While TV and movie divorces are frequently highly contentious, real-life splits do not have to be. In fact, many divorcing couples are increasingly opting for what is known as collaborative divorce, which is a relatively new and progressive method of ending a marriage for those looking to do so in minimal time, and at minimal expense. In collaborative proceedings, each party in the marriage has his or her own attorney, but everyone agrees to work together to avoid court and devise a solution that meets the needs of everyone involved. Collaborative divorce can offer many benefits, and these include:
Enhanced privacy
A public, courtroom divorce is difficult enough on its own, but when the dirty details of the end of your marriage become public, it can prove even more so. Collaborative divorce proceedings, however, remain largely private.
Improved relationships
Though your marriage may have run its course, chances are, you will still have to communicate with your former spouse now and then, and particularly if the two of you share children. Collaborating on your divorce indicates an ability to work together for the common good, and parting ways through this method can make it far easier for the two of you to work together effectively in the future, should you need to do so.
Substantial savings
When you agree to a collaborative divorce, you also essentially agree to hold off on taking your case to court, which can lead to considerable savings with regard to legal fees, court costs and related expenditures.
If you and your former spouse are heading for a divorce, but you believe that the two of you may be able to put your differences aside to pursue common goals and protect your children, consider a collaborative divorce.
