Hello all! It has been a while since we discussed another one of Marcie’s specialties, collaborative family law. This lesser-known area of Family Law can be very beneficial and today I would like to shed some light on it by addressing some frequently asked questions.
1.) What is the goal of collaborative divorce?
- Collaborative divorce is a more efficient money-saving option that allows couples to focus on what is important to them without waiting for the results of their case to be decided by a judge.
2.) Why is collaborative divorce any different than a normal divorce?
- Instead of a judge deciding your divorce, you and your spouse get to be in control of decisions.
- The process is more open since it is kept out of a courtroom.
- It gives you and your spouse a chance to evaluate individual concerns and express these concerns at agreed-upon meetings.
- It saves money and time that a normal divorce would not.
3.) Does the collaborative divorce process work for everyone?
- The short answer is no. Every couple is different, and each situation requires finding out what type of divorce process is going to work for you and your spouse. If you know from the beginning that you and your spouse are not going to listen to one another and refuse to compromise on anything, then the collaborative process likely isn’t for you.
4.) How involved am I in the collaborative divorce process?
- Very involved! You will attend all meetings regarding your divorce. Also in between meetings, you will have a form of “homework” to help prepare for the next meeting and to move the collaboration process along. This will help resolve issues and provide a chance to raise any concerns at the next meeting.
5.) How long does the process take?
- There is no “one-size-fits-all” for collaborative divorce. Just like the process does not work for everyone, it is also the same that each case is different and some collaborative divorces take longer than others. While it is true that the collaborative process often is shorter than litigating your divorce in court, how long it takes will depend on how willing you and your spouse are to compromise and solve any issues in a respectful manner.
6.) Isn’t collaborative divorce just mediation?
- No. In mediation, there is a neutral third party that helps solve any disputes between you and your spouse. In collaborative divorce, you work with a team that includes your lawyer who can help give you legal advice and guide you through the process while always being a familiar face.
Hopefully, this blog helped answer any questions or confusion about collaborative family law. If you would like to discuss this option further or have concerns related to your case, please do not hesitate to contact our office!
Sources: https://cdrli.com/the-collaborative-process/faqs/
***The thoughts and information contained in this blog are not legal advice in any form. Should you have any legal questions please contact your attorney or our office to schedule a free consultation with Marcie Baker.
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