Quite a few married couples in Pennsylvania end their marriages every year. Some are comfortable with the traditional divorce process, but others are looking for a different way to go about it. If you want to keep your divorce out of court and are willing to put in some work, a collaborative divorce might be the right fit for you.
How is collaborative divorce different? Why should we consider it over other marriage dissolution methods? Can I really walk away with a fair settlement going this route?
Collaborative divorce is…
A traditional divorce has a couple fighting things out with their attorneys in an office or in court. The whole matter can become public record meaning all sense of privacy is lost which, really, no one wants. A collaborative divorce is different in that the couple and their attorneys all agree to keep the matter out of court and private. Will there be fighting when going through the collaborative divorce process? It is possible, but all sides agree to problem solve and negotiate.
Benefits of the process
There are a number of benefits to going the collaborative divorce route. A few of the most notable include:
- It typically costs much less than pursuing a traditional divorce.
- It typically takes less time to reach agreeable terms.
- It takes place in an informal, neutral setting rather than a formal courtroom.
- It allows each party to express concerns and negotiate terms that each feels is fair.
Sounds great, but you might be wondering if it really works for everyone. Collaborative divorce can work for most couples. It does not matter if you have complex issues to resolve. If you are willing to be open, honest and ready to negotiate, you can reach a fair settlement this way. It will not work if one party is reluctant to participate.
Want to learn more about it?
If you are intrigued by the idea of a collaborative divorce and think it might be right for you, you can learn more about it. An attorney with experience managing collaborative divorce cases can review your case, discuss your goals for the process and help you determine if this method would work for you.
What if it does not work?
If, after giving it your best shot, the collaborative divorce method is not producing desirable results, it is possible to take your case to court. You must go through a process to do so, but your legal counsel can explain that to you.
There is no right or wrong way to go about the dissolution of marriage process. What works for some people may not work for you and your spouse. Collaborative divorce is just one of many options out there that is worth considering if you are looking for an alternative to the traditional process.
