The divorce process can be messy, emotional, and extremely stressful. Contentions
couples often argue more as tensions rise in the court room, and even
more amenable spouses can sometimes grow argumentative and angry. In any
case, divorce buts an untold amount of pressure on the couple involved,
as well as any children of the marriage. However, there are ways to make
the divorce process easier while also preserving a healthy relationship
with your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
A collaborative divorce allows both parties to work together to find compromise
in their divorce without unnecessary battles and court drama. For couples
looking to simplify the divorce process while saving time, money, and
sanity, collaborative divorce might just be the answer.
Save Money
When you choose a collaborative divorce, you will likely spend far less
money on legal fees and other expenses. Litigation can be costly and court
dates often get pushed back, drawing out the process and wasting everyone’s
time. With a collaborative divorce, couples can schedule their own meetings
during times that suite them best. In some cases, collaborative divorce
can fly by within a few short months, rather than the years it often takes
to divorce through litigation. Although you’ll still want to seek
the guidance of a knowledgeable divorce attorney for your collaborative
divorce, you will spend far less over a shorter amount of time than you
would if your divorce went to trial.
You Control Your Divorce
One of the biggest benefits to collaborative divorce is that the power
remains in your hands. You and your spouse can decide the conditions of
your spousal support, child custody, child support, property division,
and more. If you were to go to trial over any of these issues, you would
be at the mercy of the court. If the judge made a decision neither spouse
was happy with, it would still remain a court order. However, when you
choose a collaborative divorce you can choose whether or not to finalize
any decisions. If you are not ready, you and your spouse can continue
negotiating with the help of your attorneys until you find a suitable solution.
When the outcome of your divorce is in your control, it can help you look
towards the future with hope and confidence rather than fear and frustration.
Divorce is hard no matter how you cut it, but if you can find a way to
decrease any anxiety over the situation, it’s best you take it.
Aim for a Healthy Split
Collaborative divorces do not pit spouse against spouse, as so often happens
in divorces that go to trial. Instead, you and your spouse will work together,
with the help of your attorneys, to find solutions that work for both
of you rather than against one another. This usually allows for more friendly
means of divorce and ends with less bitterness and fewer arguments. Not
only is this good for you and your ex-spouse, it also helps your children.
Choosing a collaborative divorce can allow you to co-parent more amiably
and can prevent your children from witnessing unnecessary arguments after
a drawn-out court battle.
Privacy
Not only can a collaborative divorce keep the cost and duration of your
split to a minimum, it can also help protect your family’s privacy.
If you go to court, your divorce becomes a matter of public record, which
can add to the stress of an already stressful situation. However, if you
choose a collaborative divorce your meetings remain between your spouse
and your respective lawyers, and all information will remain private and
undisclosed.
If you are considering a collaborative divorce, our firm wants to help.
Our experienced Houston divorce attorney has handled several collaborative
divorces and has the knowledge you need.
Contact the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
to discuss your case with our family law attorney.