Connecticut residents currently considering divorce may be interested in a process known as collaborative divorce. While this option isn’t for every couple, it may be good for those who want to avoid the slash-and-burn mentality that often takes over during divorce proceedings. When collaborative divorce works, it allows a couple to agree on important issues such as property division and co-parenting without having to turn the decision over to a judge.
If considering this option, it’s important to be aware of how the process works. Each spouse will have their own lawyer to represent them. However, both lawyers and their clients are trying to work together to have a more peaceful process and outcome. Divorce mediation, a process in which a mediator tries to help a couple end their marriage as easily as possible, is also involved.
The reduced cost of a collaborative divorce is a big draw for many couples. However, it’s important that both parties are willing to work through their problems together to find a solution that works for everyone. When collaborative divorce fails, many couples have to start the whole process over again, wasting both time and money. It’s also important to remember that situations where one spouse may be intimidated by the other should not be handled through the process for collaborative divorce.
Sometimes animosity is running high at the time of a divorce and would make this process extremely difficult. However, in other marriages, it is sometimes possible that the couple can put aside their differences to reach an agreement. It’s those circumstances where collaborative divorces work best. An attorney may be able to help someone considering a collaborative divorce decide if it’s the right option for them.
Source: US News, “Why a Collaborative Divorce Makes Financial Sense“, Geoff Williams, August 19, 2013