Collaborative divorces are a new method for ending a marriage that involves cooperation, mediation, and negotiation instead of the usual adversarial approach.
With this type of process, both parties agree to work together amicably and respectfully for the sake of all involved. Choosing collaborative family law provides many benefits often not associated with the traditional approach.
With a collaborative divorce, the individuals in the couple have more control over the outcome. This includes reaching agreements about division of assets, child custody and spousal support.
When they cooperate in a supportive environment, the couple doesn't have to worry about a judge making the final decision. Instead, through compromise and negotiation, the end of the marriage is much more of a win-win.
Traditional divorces are often very expensive as the proceedings drag on. If the case goes to court, this only adds to the legal bill.
With collaborative divorce, the couple agrees that going to court is not an option. The couple also agrees to full financial disclosures. This means that time and money aren't wasted trying to find hidden assets or property.
This spirit of cooperation reduces the time spent in the legal system, and so reduces legal fees.
A collaborative divorce also takes less time to settle than a traditional divorce.
With a collaborative divorce time isn't wasted waiting for available court dates. Plus, the divorcing couple gets to choose the time and place for all meetings, so there's no need for stressful schedule shifting.
Stress makes a divorce even harder for the couple and their children (if any).
All divorces are emotionally charged, but with collaborative divorces there is less bitterness, anger, and resentment because the two spouses come into the process wanting to resolve their issues.
Because the tone of this kind of divorce is less adversarial, and the couple involved is working together on the divorce, the process is likely to be much less stressful.
Every divorcing couple is unique. Some solutions that a couple agrees to may be different from what a court usually stipulates during a divorce proceeding.
When they work together to create a mutually satisfying settlement, a couple gets more of what is best for their family going forward.
More and more attorneys in Canada are getting specially trained in collaborative divorce. These lawyers recognize the need for a less hostile way to end a marriage.
Many provinces have their own collaborative family law associations. These associations make it easier to find an attorney with this specialized training and knowledge.
A collaborative divorce is a less painful way to legally break up a family.
Using this sort of team approach, the lawyers assist the couple in dealing with conflict and settling disputes.
A couple using collaborative divorce techniques can end their marriage in a manner that is good for everyone.
Then, from this more positive starting point, the couple can move onto the next phases of their lives with less emotional baggage from the proceedings. The individuals in the couple can then also enjoy the other noted benefits that collaborative divorce can provide.
