Many couples choose collaborative divorce because of its benefits, like its low cost compared to litigation, the non-combative nature of the process, and the greater likelihood that they will reach a mutually satisfying settlement through collaboration. The benefits of collaborative divorce do not stop here. Many other people in a divorcing couple’s lives, particularly their children, can reap significant benefits from the couple’s choice to do a collaborative divorce.
If you are considering collaborative divorce, think about how your choice will impact the other people in your life now and those who might enter it in the future. Of course, the decision to divorce through collaboration should be made according to whether it is the right choice for you and your spouse – if it is the right choice, its benefits will ripple to your other relationships.
The most important aspect of a collaborative divorce is the actual act of working together with a spouse to create a divorce settlement that benefits both parties. Collaborative problem solving is a skill that a divorced individual can continue to use in interactions with the former spouse and new partners in the years that follow his or her divorce.
Your Children
After you and your spouse, your children are the ones who can benefit the most from your collaborative divorce. This is because through the collaborative process, you are the ones to determine your parenting plan, rather than the court. You know your children and their needs best and if you and your spouse are willing to work together, can develop an ideal parenting plan that promotes productive co-parenting.
Your Families and Mutual Friends
When a couple divorces, it is natural for their families and friends to feel they have to “take sides.” This can be very difficult for individuals who are equally good friends with both halves of a couple and even family members who have grown attached to their in-laws. Choosing collaboration generally makes it possible for the divorcing couple to remain on good terms, which can make the divorce easier for their friends and loved ones.
Your Future Partners
You or your spouse might date again. You might even marry again and have more children with a new partner. Having a poor relationship with a former spouse can hurt new relationships, especially when there are children involved. Effectively communicating and co-parenting with a former partner can make it easier for a new partner to enter your life and your children’s lives. It can also make maintaining this new relationship easier by eliminating the chance for conflict with a former partner on issues related to your children.
Work with an Experienced Winter Park Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
Before you commit to a collaborative divorce, speak with an experienced Winter Park divorce lawyer about the specifics of your case. Your lawyer could find that collaboration is right for you or he or she could steer you in a direction better suited for your case. Contact Aubrey law today to set up your flat-rate consultation in our office.
Resource:
flcourts.org/core/fileparse.php/533/urlt/995a.pdf