As the name suggests, a collaborative divorce involves working with your ex to negotiate a settlement when the marriage ends. It is a better way of settling a divorce rather than subjecting yourselves to a court process that can be lengthy, expensive and unpredictable.
If you and your spouse are willing to work together and reach an out-of-court settlement, you may want to consider a collaborative divorce. Here is what you need to know about this less adversarial way of handling a divorce.
What to expect during a collaborative divorce
As mentioned, there must be goodwill from both parties. They should also be open to compromise during settlement negotiations. Transparency and honesty, too, are crucial in a collaborative divorce.
The process starts with each spouse meeting with their attorney and discussing what they want to achieve from the divorce. Child custody, support, alimony and property division are some of the most contentious areas where spouses may have diverging opinions. It is up to their legal teams to help find a middle ground.
Afterward, a series of meetings will take place between the spouses and their legal representatives. In some instances, professionals like child custody experts, financial advisors and even trained mediators may be involved to help arrive at an amicable solution.
Finally, when you and your spouse agree on how to settle the divorce, your legal teams will draft a settlement agreement for both parties to sign before a judge approves and makes it the final judgment of your divorce.
Protecting your rights and interests in a collaborative divorce
It helps to learn more about how a collaborative divorce works and your legal rights to make the most out of it. It will help you address any issues that may come up and ensure you look out for your interests during the entire process.
