Most people believe that divorce necessarily happens in a courtroom, but this is not the case. In fact, in many instances, a trial divorce is not the best option.
Many divorcing couples choose collaborative divorce as an affordable alternative to trial divorce. There are many benefits to collaborative divorce over a traditional trial method. The benefits of collaborative divorce, as per Forbes Magazine, include lowering the cost of divorce, giving each party more autonomy in deciding the divorce terms and taking far less time.
How does collaborative divorce save money?
If you would like a trial divorce, you will be working with a host of legal professionals. You may interact with a personal lawyer, paralegals, judges and legal aides. The more professionals involved in your divorce, the more expensive your divorce becomes.
Collaborative divorces can take many different forms, but most commonly each party has his or her own lawyer. Both parties and the lawyers will meet at a conference table to discuss the terms of the divorce. Fewer legal professionals make the divorce process cost less.
How does collaborative divorce save time?
Trial divorce requires presenting evidence and allowing a judge to make decisions. It is not uncommon for trial divorces to take more than a year, particularly if the divorce is acrimonious. This process takes much longer than a well-handled collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce also gives both parties a direct voice in the divorce outcomes rather than handing all control over to a disinterested judge.
The key to a successful collaborative divorce is good communication. If you and your ex spouse cannot have a civil conversation, collaborative divorce is probably not a valid option.