Which type of divorce is right for you?

Divorce is not always easy, especially if your life is so interconnected to your spouse’s. However, in Connecticut, there are multiple ways to navigate it.

The type of divorce you choose depends on how well you can communicate with your spouse and how much is at stake.

Litigated divorce

Litigated divorce is the most common type of divorce, typically used for high-conflict separations. There are many major decisions to make in a divorce, such as child support and division of assets. If there is any contention, you could settle the divorce in court, but it could take three months or longer to resolve.

Mediated divorce

Mediated divorces work best for low-conflict separations. If you and your spouse already have a general idea of how you want the divorce to proceed, mediation can be a peaceful and amicable alternative to a litigated divorce. You will use a neutral mediator who can remain objective and help you and your spouse make final decisions. A mediator will not legally represent either of you.

Collaborative divorce

In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse each have your own lawyers. This method offers a little more protection than a mediated divorce because you will have someone looking out for your best interests. Collaborative divorce functions similarly to a mediated divorce, where both teams come together to figure out the finer details. It works well for complex divorce situations and is much faster and cheaper than a litigated divorce.

Determining what type of divorce is right for you can help you plan ahead and know what to expect.