Divorce cases can be stressful for couples. They may not have the time or money to spend in court sessions that can drag on. Instead of going through this emotionally draining process, they can try to get a collaborative divorce instead. With a collaborative divorce, they may be able to avoid the drama of litigation. This can encourage them to maintain a healthy working relationship with their soon-to-be ex-spouse. Although this may seem insignificant, it may be crucial to a co-parenting relationship. When children are involved in the family, it can be important for the spouses to maintain a healthy form of communication. This can prove to be beneficial after the divorce is complete and they still have to deal with one another for custody arrangements. A collaborative divorce consists of a series of four-way meetings that focus on resolving marital issues between the couple. After these meetings are completed and decisions are made, the couple can get an official divorce.
The goal of a collaborative divorce is for spouses to communicate with one another about their marital issues. Their attorneys will be present during these meetings to provide support at this time. During these meetings, the couple can work together to settle on marital issues in a respectful manner. This can help them maintain a level of respect for one another that may have been lost during litigation.
When is a collaborative divorce over?
To make a collaborative divorce successful, the parties involved must be willing to cooperate. Before the process begins, spouses will sign a participation agreement that details their responsibilities throughout the process. Not only do the spouses sign, but their attorneys must sign also. By signing this agreement, it will not allow an attorney to push their client toward litigation. It will encourage an attorney to work with their client and the opposing party to reach compromises with one another. This can prevent attorneys from pushing the situation to court for their benefit. During the process, a neutral financial professional is present to assist clients. This individual can help clients understand their financial situation so that they can make informed decisions throughout the process.
As spouses reach decisions together, they can resolve their marital issues. This can make the collaborative divorce successful. In the end, a settlement agreement can be presented to a court for the divorce to be made final.
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.
