There are multiple ways to get a divorce. There can be positives and negatives for each process. By going through these processes, it can help to decide on issues between you and your spouse to finalize the divorce. Collaborative divorce may be a good choice for you and your spouse. This option encourages spouses to work together to reach a satisfactory conclusion for both parties. With this option, partners can avoid the courtroom and minimize fighting with one another during the divorce process. Collaborative divorce brings together both spouses with their attorneys to discuss terms of a divorce agreement and make compromises with one another. This agreement includes negotiations regarding spousal support, child support, child custody, the division of assets and anything else that is relevant to their marriage. By discussing marital issues in a private forum rather than in a public courtroom, spouses can be more honest and open with one another. This may help ease the process by making it quicker and less stressful for each party.
What is a participation agreement?
Before entering into a discussion regarding divorce proceedings, both spouses and attorneys sign a participation agreement. In this agreement, they will outline their responsibilities before they start the process. This is made in order to ensure that they cooperate throughout the course of the meetings. If these meetings were to be unsuccessful, the attorneys involved are not allowed to represent the clients in litigation. This helps to ensure that attorneys do not push clients to take legal action in a courtroom. If the couple wishes, there is a team of professionals that are available to include in the discussions regarding the terms of their divorce agreement. This can introduce a child specialist, a financial specialist or a collaborative divorce coach to the conversation. All these people are there to make you and your spouse more comfortable. With their specialties in mind, they can help to advise the best outcome for you and your spouse.
While collaborative divorce may not be for everyone since couples have to work together, it can prove to be very beneficial. By taking a divorce to court, it makes an already difficult time even harder. In court, families cannot control what happens. The final outcome is out of your control. This can result in an unfavorable conclusion for both parties.
If you require compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance for a matter of divorce, family or estate law, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley today. Our firm proudly serves clients in Mansfield, Massachusetts and throughout Bristol County.