On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Family Law on Tuesday July 12th, 2022.
The benefits of collaborative divorce are numerous. It enables you and your spouse to control the process and make all crucial choices. You can decide where and with whom your children will reside as well as how the marital estate will be divided. The outcome is a customized divorce agreement made by you and your spouse — not a judge.
However, because collaborative divorce is relatively new, a few myths are circulating about the process. This article will bust some of the three biggest ones:
Myth: I need a “bulldog” lawyer
Most people think of divorce as a nasty process and think they need an attorney that is ready to get dirty.
The truth is, you don’t need to pit yourself against your former spouse during the divorce process. While defending you, your collaborative lawyer won’t disparage your spouse. Instead, you, your spouse, and both your lawyers collaborate to find solutions to the problems brought on by your separation.
Myth: We need to be in complete agreement
Like any other divorcing people, couples that go through the collaborative process have arguments and problems in their marriage. Throughout the process, a group of experts will collaborate with you and your spouse to identify practical answers to those issues. The only requirements are your honesty, trustworthiness, and willingness to bargain in good faith to discover solutions that benefit your family.
Myth: Collaborative divorce is expensive
Although a collaborative divorce will cost you money, a contested divorce will cost more. Each spouse typically hires a lawyer and a divorce coach in a collaborative divorce. A financial expert and a child evaluator are two examples of impartial experts that the parties jointly hire. If necessary, mediation sessions can be planned and are also beneficial. While that may sound like a large and expensive team, a collaborative divorce avoids the costs of going to trial.
Is collaborative divorce right for you?
Collaborative divorce can assist you and your spouse with respectfully resolving any differences. You will collectively divide the family’s assets in a way that both parties find acceptable and establish a custody schedule that will pave the way for a successful co-parenting relationship.
Contact us for a consultation if you would like to discuss the collaborative divorce process further.
