Divorce is a challenging scenario, but it doesn’t always have to end as bad as you might think. Few cases are as drawn out as those in movies or television, but they do often come with their own challenges. Attorneys, time, money, and a lengthy trial are sometimes unavoidable.
All of those challenges can be avoided if not lessened, however, when the separating couple works together. It requires both parties to set aside their differences and work in one another’s interest to ensure they each walk away in the best position possible. This is known as a collaborative divorce.
Divorce and Collaboration, Is That Possible?
Believe it or not, plenty of couples opt for a collaborative divorce instead of a nightmarish court battle. This legal process gives couples the option to negotiate their own terms outside of court through mediation and negotiation.
During the process, critical aspects of the separation like debt division and property are agreed upon by both parties. Child custody and support are also dealt with if need be. If that sounds too good to be true, take a look at the process and decide if you and your partner could pursue this option.
Getting Started
To get stated, you need to have an honest talk with your partner. Both of you need to agree to negotiate, working together to ensure the best possible separation takes place that leaves each of you in a financially positive space once everything is settled.
If both of you agree, the next step is to hire legal aid like these divorce attorneys at Stange Law Firm. While you’re skipping the courts, you still need legal experts to help you cross the Ts and dot the Is of your paperwork. Attorneys can also help you find mediators or seek dispute resolution much easier than you can on your own.
Those experienced in collaborative divorce are there to create a win-win scenario that works for both parties involved. At the same time, each individual’s attorney should still represent their party’s interest to ensure no stone is left unturned.
The Next Steps
With attorneys hired, you and your spouse will speak with them separately to discuss what you want from the divorce. Make sure to include everything from debt to savings like a 401k, child custody, and any other marital assets. Your attorney may add support for this process, like a financial or child specialists.
After that meeting, everyone will get together to discuss what each party wants and work on a compromise that meets everyone’s interests. Quality law experts will have you sign a “no court” agreement that holds each party responsible for a smooth negotiation. In essence, it’s you and your partner adding incentive to keep things from getting out of hand.
These meeting will continue until terms are agreed upon by both parties. It won’t happen on the first or second try, but the goal is to make progress each time all parties meet. You might have to provide financial or childcare information during this process like you would in court to ensure the best options are available for your partner as well as you.
Eventually, once everything is out in the open and compromises have been made, you and your partner will reach a conclusion that works for the both of you. The end result might not be exactly what you wanted in the beginning, but it will be a whole lot better than a knock down, drag out fight in the courts.