A recent trend for settling a divorce, is that of collaborative divorce. Many people get this confused with a mediated divorce, but there are a few differences— and plus sides to collaborative that might go unnoticed. So, we’re going to lay them all out for you. Divorce can be expensive, nerve-wracking, and lengthy. But, this recent development in how you go about it can save that part of the process if you let it. Collaborative divorce isn’t for everyone, but if you can manage to do it— this will save you a lot of money and time.
Collaborative Divorce: Why It Might Be Your Best Route
What is collaborative divorce?
Many people get collaborative confused with mediated divorce. So, let me tell you how they’re different. A mediated divorce deals with one attorney who helps you both sort through the dividing of assets, and so on. You have a neutral mediator and it’s pretty informal. But collaborative, is a bit different. Each spouse has their own representation which handles their specific needs instead of those of both of you. You don’t go before a court, it’s flexible, and you spend a lot less money and time. Rather than going through litigation and finding a time slot to go before a court, you handle everything between your respective attorneys at a convenient time for you both.
Why it might be your best option:
It can potentially save a ton of money. Divorces are expensive. You can spend thousands of dollars doing it, but collaborative divorce can help you skip all the extra dough and save it for settling into your new life. You’re not paying court costs or additional attorney fees— especially if you and your to-be former spouse can settle quickly and easily.
It can save time. Once again, this depends on how you and your spouse can negotiate. But, all in all— you save a ton of time. When going to divorce court, you’re at the whim of the judge and the court. You have to find a time slot, and wait for that to come available. But, if you choose collaborative, all you have to do is pick a time and place for everyone to meet. It’s easier, it’s quicker— and it can be finished as soon as the two of you make the decisions.
The final decision is left between the two of you. There is no judge with the final say, it’s all up to the two of you and your attorneys to make the decisions and get this thing rolling. The only part a judge plays in this, is providing the final approval on an agreement you have drafted together, and both signed. You make the choices, you organize the terms, you are in control.
You reach a customized solution. A judge has dealt with ten divorces before yours today, and will deal with ten after. Their solutions are going to cater to the masses rather than to both of you. By creating an agreement between yourselves, you skip the possibility of a judge misunderstanding your circumstance— and citing terms accordingly.
But, collaborative divorce might not be for everyone.
The key word here is collaborative. While this route might be the best option for some, if you and your spouse can’t agree that the sky is blue— you could potentially spend a lot of money and time here. If you and your spouse are quick, effective, reasonable problem solvers that can put aside differences— this is your route. But if you’re both spiteful, angry, and out for blood— take it before a judge and wipe your hands clean. Every divorce is different, and you have to make the best, most cost-efficient choice for you. But, consider your options before you choose!