Unlock the Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce: 10 Reasons to Get Started

Unlock the Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce: 10 Reasons to Get Started

 

Recently, more couples pursuing divorce have turned to collaborative divorce instead of traditional court litigation. There is a way to divorce without animosity, drawn-out court battles, and costly litigation. Pursuing a collaborative divorce is a unique process that allows spouses to work together to determine the terms of their divorce settlement in a way that avoids costly, high-conflict litigation in court. With a collaborative divorce, both spouses and their attorneys sign an agreement to for-go court proceedings. They work together to resolve outstanding conflicts and create a fair divorce settlement for both spouses.

 

• Getting Divorced Avoids Contentious Litigation

 

When a divorcing couple cannot agree on the terms of their divorce, the case will proceed to court and may involve litigation. Taking your case to court can be extremely stressful and exacerbate the conflict you have with your spouse. As soon as a divorce case goes to court, the overall tone and attitude of the parties become even more combative, and the focus is to succeed in court instead of working together for your best interest. Agreeing to avoid litigation upfront can help you pay the way for a relatively smooth divorce process.

 

• Collaborative Divorce Saves Time and Money

 

Anytime a divorce case or legal case is litigated, it will become more expensive. Most divorce attorneys charge clients an hourly rate. Litigation requires extensive hours from each spouse’s attorneys. Divorce is expensive and can cost you tens of thousands. The divorce litigation process requires a period of discovery in which both parties must give and request information and documents. Drafting discovery requests, receiving the documents that are sent in response to the request, and responding to such requests require hours and hours of work.

 

If you and your spouse cannot settle the case after it proceeds into litigation and continue the legal battle, your divorce could take months or even years. The longer the divorce case, the more expensive it will be. Working together can save you money and allow you and your ex-spouse to be on a better financial path once the divorce has been finalized.

 

• Encourages You to Work Together to Resolve Conflict

 

Collaborative divorce is only possible if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse work together. Working together can be challenging, especially during the divorce process. However, doing so can help you move the divorce process along and avoid getting stuck on an issue that could result in significant conflict. The collaborative divorce process also models effective conflict resolution, a lesson the parties’ take with them for future disagreements.

 

• Greater Flexibility Regarding Scheduling

 

When you pursue a collaborative divorce, you are not waiting on the court system to tell you the date and time of your next appearance. You are also not waiting for your attorneys to reply or complete the paperwork. The ball is in your court. You and your spouse can go through the process as quickly or as slowly as you would like. 

 

• It gives You Greater Control Over Any Settlements and Final Orders

 

When you work with your spouse toward a collaborative divorce, you are in control of the settlement. Instead of asking a judge to decide on issues involving matters you cannot agree with your spouse, you are responsible for the final settlement agreement.

 

• Collaborative Divorce Benefits Your Children

 

If you have children, the collaborative divorce process can protect them by avoiding a contentious court battle. Regardless of the type of divorce you pursue, the process will always impact your children. However, working together with your soon-to-be ex will minimize the stress your children experience during the divorce. Your children will see you and your spouse working together throughout the divorce process. 

 

You may benefit from working with a neutral third-party professional if you have a conflict with your spouse regarding child custody or visitation. The professional can educate the parties on developmental issues that affect the child going through a divorce and can help the parents explore options not available through litigation. They can help you and your spouse navigate the divorce process in a way that considers your children’s overall well-being. Avoiding a contentious battle with your spouse can positively affect your children.

 

• Encourages Creative Solutions to Conflict

 

In a high-conflict court battle, the goal is to win and beat the other party. With collaborative divorce, the goal is to work together to find creative solutions. When you and your ex-spouse agree that your most important goal is to work out a divorce settlement together and avoid court, it’s easier to think of creative solutions. The use of neutral professionals can help find innovative solutions that get us past the difficult issues that otherwise could result in impasse.

 

• Protects Your Privacy

 

Avoiding litigation means protecting your privacy. During litigation, you and your spouse can call witnesses and present evidence that may not put you in the best light. Your financial information can become public information during the divorce. Pursuing a collaborative divorce means that more personal information will remain private.

 

• Reduces Everyone’s Stress Levels

 

Knowing that you will not have to go through a stressful, litigious trial will reduce your stress level, your spouse’s stress level, and your children’s stress level. Taking your case to court is a high-stress situation. When working with a neutral third-party mediator, you will be in a more calm environment that is conducive to solving problems instead of an adversarial environment.

 

• Collaborative Divorce Sets You Up for a Better Future

 

Pursuing a collaborative divorce can help you maintain a civil relationship. Staying respectful to each other and keeping the lines of communication open is especially important if you have children. A collaborative divorce can set you up for a respectful, civil future with your ex-spouse, leading to a more positive future post-divorce.

 

Interested in Pursuing a Collaborative Divorce? We Can Help

 

Are you interested in pursuing a divorce, but she would like to avoid a high conflict, expensive battle in court? If so, the Richmond, Texas, divorce attorneys at Covington Law Firm, PLLC, are here to help. We understand the many benefits that come from pursuing a collaborative divorce. We will work with you to resolve conflicts with your soon-to-be ex in a way that protects you and your interests. If you want to learn more about the collaborative divorce process, contact Covington Law Firm, PLLC, to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.