Getting a divorce doesn’t have to entail waging in a long-drawn-out battle with your spouse. In California, there is an alternative. Collaborative divorce can be a cooperative and less stressful way to end your marriage. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but for many, it is very beneficial.
What is a collaborative divorce?
Essentially, a collaborative divorce is a meeting between spouses and a team of experts. This professional team may include attorneys, a financial planner, child psychologists, and whatever professionals may be needed. The team works together to produce a divorce agreement that is agreeable to both spouses. Both spouses must sign the agreement and it is then submitted to the court for approval.
What are the pros of a collaborative divorce?
- Less costly
- Takes less time
- Less stressful
- No quarrelsome court battles
- Children shielded from divorce proceedings
- More privacy
- More control over the process
What are the cons of a collaborative divorce?
- If you can’t reach an agreement you have to start over
- Starting over means getting new attorneys
- The court may not approve the agreement
Perhaps a collaborative divorce is the right choice for you and your spouse. If you feel that you would be able to come up with an amicable agreement that satisfies both of you, it is certainly a less expensive and less stressful solution than the traditional divorce route. Instead of letting a judge make decisions for you, you and your spouse can end your marriage in a less contentious manner. Hopefully, in the end, you will learn something about yourself and your marriage that will help you in any future relationships.