Divorce is difficult and tiring, usually leaving people in emotional and financial turmoil. Collaborative divorce is a great strategy to try to reduce the negative impact of divorce. While a collaborative divorce has benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. If you want to learn more about collaborative law so you can make an informed decision, consult an attorney. They will help you navigate all the advantages and drawbacks unique to your situation. 

What is Collaborative Divorce? 

Collaborative divorce is a process that allows divorcing couples to plan their divorce decree carefully and with the help of as many professionals as necessary. Rather than litigating their differences in court, couples using collaborative divorce will discuss their issues proactively and rely on the help of other people to solve their problems. This could include: 

• Child psychologists
• Divorce coaches
• Financial experts 
• Mediators 
• Academic advisors 
• Anyone else who can help make the transition from married life to separation smoother and more peaceful

What Are the Advantages of a Collaborative Divorce?

One main benefit of collaborative divorce is that it encourages a kinder and more stable environment for all parties. It allows you to communicate openly and clearly with your ex-partner, which is ideal if you have children. 

Not all divorces need to be angry and contentious. A collaborative divorce is a unique approach to ending a marriage that aims to promote cooperation and open communication between the divorcing spouses. In a collaborative divorce, the parties, along with their respective attorneys, commit to resolving their issues outside of the courtroom through negotiation and problem-solving. If you are considering ending your marriage via a collaborative divorce, the following are some key points that you should be aware of.

Voluntary Participation

Collaborative divorce is a voluntary process that requires both spouses to agree to participate in good faith. They must be willing to work together to reach mutually satisfactory solutions without resorting to litigation. The cornerstone of a collaborative divorce is open and transparent communication. Both spouses and their attorneys commit to sharing all relevant information and working together honestly and respectfully.

Team Approach

Collaborative divorce often involves a team of professionals who can assist in the process. In addition to the attorneys, the team may include financial specialists, child specialists, and divorce coaches. These professionals provide expertise and guidance to help spouses address financial, emotional, and parenting matters.

There is good news for advocates of family stability - not only are divorce rates falling, especially among younger age groups, but couples who do divorce are acting more carefully about how they choose to go about the divorce process. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is known as “collaborative divorce,” and it is particularly helpful to those who are concerned about avoiding unnecessary conflict throughout the divorce process. If you have children under age 18 or are simply looking for a peaceful resolution to the end of your marriage, collaborative divorce could be the right choice for you. 

What is Collaborative Divorce? 

Divorce has traditionally been a combative experience, and no wonder; many of the elements of divorce can feel zero-sum to both parties. After all, time a child spends living with one parent is time she does not spend in the other parent’s home. However, collaborative divorce still recognizes some of the inherent conflicts of interest while still respecting the effort to minimize hostility and protect minor children. 

Collaborative divorce involves both parents having a team of experts who guide them cooperatively through the divorce. This includes attorneys, as well as anyone else the parents feel could contribute: financial professionals, child psychologists, divorce coaches, and more. If, for whatever reason, the collaborative process is not successful, the entire team dissolves and each party’s attorney cannot go on to represent them in court litigation. 

If you model your strategy after popular films or TV dramas portraying divorce, you’d likely pursue a high-conflict court battle to air your grievances against your soon-to-be ex-spouse. If your partner cheated or neglected you during the marriage, you have every right to feel that way.

But, in real life, only a small percentage of divorces go to trial. In fact, less than 10% result in litigation. The majority of divorcing couples want the experience to be quick and painless, especially if they have children. A peaceful resolution is usually best for everyone.

The benefits of collaboration

Collaborative law seeks to preserve the interests of both spouses in a divorce. It's an approach that stresses the areas where you agree and tries to find creative solutions for the issues where you don’t see eye to eye. Here are some of the main benefits:

Texans going through a divorce often feel that their lives have veered out of control. The end of a long relationship can turn their world upside down, especially if children are involved.

If you are facing the possibility of a divorce, you will not want to leave your future to chance. There are alternatives that can put you in the driver's seat instead of leaving the outcome in the hands of a judge.

Resolving conflicts out of court

More and more people understand that taking control of the divorce process can be a better route than going to court. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) offers both parties a way tofind a reasonable agreement and avoid litigation entirely. Two ADR methods include: