Collaborative Divorce: When It Works, When It Won’t, And Why It Might Be Right for You

The impression of divorce most people have is a protracted court case where the parties square it out to have one emerge victorious. This impression is created by the few divorce cases that make their way into the limelight, such as cases involving high-profile individuals and celebrities. 

For the most part, Georgia divorces do not take that route. Most divorcing parties recognize the need for amicable resolutions to their marriage for family, psychological, and financial reasons.  It must also be noted that televised cases with celebrities and high-profile individuals differ from the cases of real, actual people. Things tend to be a lot more grounded and realistic. To know more about what happens in a collaborative divorce, speaking to Georgia family lawyer Shawna Woods of the Atlanta Divorce Law Group can be helpful.

Over the years, collaborative divorces have become quite popular among divorcing parties. This guide examines this option from its definition to its applicable situation and why it could be worth considering. Keep reading to learn more.

Understanding Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce involves leveraging collaborative law to agree on the terms of the divorce to avoid the protracted legal tussles that come with traditional divorce. It involves combining negotiations and mediation with the help of professionals such as mental health experts and lawyers. 

The divorcing parties can maintain individual lawyers to guide them through the process, who must have collaborative divorce experience. The result is usually a mutually agreeable outcome that benefits the divorcing parties and children, if they have any. 

When Does It Work?

Collaborative divorce can work for every divorce as long as there is cooperation between the parties involved. Divorce marks the end of what most people believed was their happily ever after. So, it’s understandable that emotions may be a little high and could get in the way of rational thinking. However, it’s essential to take control and not let emotion dictate how you handle your divorce. 

It works best for individuals with a win-win attitude instead of a win-lose mindset. Parties do not always start with such a mindset; that is where the professionals guide them into changing their perspective.

It is fitting that collaborative divorce can only work where the parties involved choose to cooperate. If you are considering this option, having your lawyers and professionals assess you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse is best to establish your suitability. 

Advantages Of Collaborative Divorce

The most significant advantage of a collaborative divorce is that it can save you time and money. Unlike the court process, where the court sets the schedules, you set your schedules in a collaborative divorce, which means the time you spend on your case lies squarely on you. 

It is also less emotionally draining, a massive plus for you and the children. Studies show that children with both parents involved in their upbringing have far better outcomes than children with only one parent. 

Having an amicable resolution to your divorce and seeing you as a united front regarding their upbringing is the closest thing they can have to living in a home where both parents are present.

Choosing A Lawyer

Collaborative divorce usually starts with an informal agreement between the divorcing parties but doesn’t end with an informal agreement. Every party should have a lawyer to protect their rights during the process. 

Unlike in other divorce proceedings, where any family lawyer can do so, you will need a lawyer with a background in collaborative law and divorce to guide you through the process. 

Once you have them on board, you will share every detail about your case with them, and they will use the information you share to advocate for your best interests.

Conclusion

Collaborative divorce is a better alternative than regular divorce. When choosing a lawyer, pick one with actual experience in the field. Also be sure to gauge the benefits of collaborative divorce against other forms of splitting. Collaborative divorce usually ends more amicably and isn’t as heavy on your bank either. Make the right choice today.