For almost every couple going through it, a divorce is going to be stressful. Even if you and your soon-to-be ex agree on most things, you are likely thinking about money, child custody, the time commitment and what life will be like in the future.
That is why many divorcing couples in Pennsylvania are turning to the collaborative law process to help them get through their divorce with much less stress. The process may also be right for you.
What Is A Collaborative Divorce?
Unlike mediation, a collaborative divorce features no neutral mediator. A collaborative divorce will be you, your attorney, your ex and his or her attorney. At the beginning of the process, everyone signs an agreement promising to work in a collaborative spirit to find a resolution.
Then, everyone will meet regularly to discuss issues openly and honestly. When necessary, you can bring in third-party experts, such as child custody experts or accountants, to help you work through certain issues.
Additionally, your attorneys will agree to withdraw from the case if you cannot reach an agreement. That means your attorney who represents you in a collaborative divorce will have no extra motivation to push you toward expensive litigation.
What Are The Benefits Of A Collaborative Divorce?
Most who go through the process sing its praises. Unlike a traditional divorce, a collaborative divorce will:
- Save you time and money: A traditional divorce takes time, and if you go to court, your costs will skyrocket.
- Be much more informal: Meeting at a neutral site, where you can talk honestly with your ex, can help you work through your issues much more easily, compared to adversarial litigation.
- Let you stay in control: You and your ex control the process. This is likely preferable to going to court and leaving your case in the hands of a judge who does not understand the details of your situation.
- Let you stay out of court: If you and your ex want to work through your divorce privately and discretely, this may be the best option.
- Help you work together in the future: If you have children, it is likely that you will have to keep working together on parenting decisions into the future. The collaborative process can help start this process out on the right foot by showing how to resolve potential disputes.
Work With The Right Attorney
When you pick a divorce lawyer, it is important to make sure he or she is committed to the collaborative process and helping you reach your goals.
Our law firm features a certified collaborative lawyer, meaning she has specific knowledge and experience in the collaborative process and how to help you get through your divorce. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about collaborative divorce and if it is right for you.
