When a Georgia couple makes the choice to file for divorce, they know there is a long and possibly complicated process ahead. It’s not easy to make the decision to end a marriage, as this choice will bring various changes to multiple areas of a person’s life. To make this process less complicated, some couples opt for a collaborative divorce.
In many cases, this type of divorce makes the most sense. It allows a couple to have more control over the terms of the final order, allowing them to craft their future as it is most suitable for their individual needs and objectives. While collaboration won’t work in every situation, it could be a good option for you. You may want to consider this route before you make any important decisions.
What is a collaborative divorce?
Collaboration happens when opposing parties decide to talk through their differences together. They collaborate and work through their issues, coming to reasonable conclusions about things that they need to resolve. Collaboration allows for the respectful discussion of problems and promotes a teamwork approach in even the most complex of legal disputes.
In a divorce, collaboration allows the two spouses to work closely on issues that may impact their futures, including child custody, property division, child support and more. This negates the need for a couple to go to court and face the stress of litigation over sensitive matters. You may also work with third-party experts, such as financial planners, to help you make the best decisions.
The benefits of collaboration
Many couples prefer collaboration because they don’t want to go to court. Because they avoid litigation and are able to work together on an outcome, they are also able to avoid the costs that come with an extensive court process. Collaborative divorce often costs less and takes less time to complete than a traditional divorce. It also allows you to have a direct say in the terms of your divorce order, providing you a way to custom-tailor the terms that will affect your family long-term.
Is it for you?
Collaborative divorce is not right for everyone, but it could be what is most practical for your situation. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to get along with or even like your spouse to make this process work. To succeed with a collaborative divorce, two people simply have to resolve to work together efficiently and respectfully.