A collaborative divorce is ideal for couples who wish to minimize conflict and part ways amicably. It involves working with your spouse to reach a mutual agreement on pertinent aspects of the divorce, such as property division, alimony, child custody and support.
If you are thinking of a less adversarial way of handling your divorce but are unsure about how things work in a collaborative divorce, here is what you need to know.
The collaborative process explained
The first step in a collaborative divorce is establishing that both spouses are willing to work together. The goodwill of each spouse is crucial since it will streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Next, each spouse will need to hire an attorney to represent them during the negotiations. Explain to your attorney what you want from the divorce but remember, you cannot have your way in everything. You may have to make some concessions here and there.
Once each spouse is lawyered up, the negotiations will begin, involving the spouses and their respective attorneys. The goal is to find an agreement that works for everyone. In some cases, neutral parties like family coaches and financial experts may be roped in to help iron out any issues of interest during these negotiations.
If all the parties are satisfied with the final agreement and have signed against it, the last step is filing the document with the court. The agreement will become the final judgment of the divorce when the judge approves it.
Protect your interests during a collaborative divorce
The stakes are always high during a divorce, and the outcome of the process will likely impact your life in the long run, financially or otherwise. Therefore, ensure that you understand your rights and have the proper legal representation to safeguard your interests.
