Collaborative divorce is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) designed to help parties resolve their differences out of court, reducing the time, stress, and costs associated with the divorce process.
Collaborative divorce is increasingly popular among divorcees. Today, we're looking at the various benefits of collaborative divorce, so you can decide whether pursuing a collaborative divorce may help you achieve a positive outcome in the dissolution of your marriage.
To schedule a consultation with our team or learn more about how we can help you find the best path forward in your divorce, contact us online or via phone at (702) 996-6052.
How Does Collaborative Divorce Work?
The collaborative divorce process happens out of court. To engage in a collaborative divorce, both parties must agree to try and resolve their divorce out of court without resorting to litigation.
Both parties hire a collaborative divorce attorney. The attorneys negotiate with each other on behalf of their clients to establish equitable terms for the divorce.
As part of this process, the attorneys often bring in various third party professionals. For example, during the property division process, the attorneys may commission a financial professional specializing in asset valuation and property division to ensure the parties push for an equitable arrangement.
If the parties can reach an agreement on terms for the divorce, the lawyers will work with them to draft an official divorce agreement, which the parties then sign. A court will evaluate the agreement, and, assuming it's equitable, the court will finalize the agreement and the divorce.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Collaborative Divorce?
Using a collaborative divorce has multiple benefits:
- It's more cost-effective. Litigating a divorce in the US costs an average of $15,000. Using an out-of-court method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), like collaborative divorce, can help drastically reduce the cost of the divorce process.
- It's more amicable. The cooperative nature of the collaborative divorce process often makes it easier for parties to remain on good terms with each other throughout the divorce.
- It's faster. Using collaborative divorce or another out-of-court form of ADR is often significantly more streamlined than litigating a divorce in court.
- It helps you focus on the future. Due to the above reasons, it's often easier to view divorce as a springboard into a brighter future when using a collaborative divorce, instead of allowing the process to drag you down.
At Leavitt Law Firm, we'll work with you to ensure that your collaborative divorce goes as smoothly as possible.
To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced divorce lawyers, contact us online or via phone at (702) 996-6052.