How Can a Collaborative Divorce Be Beneficial For My Family?

 Posted on April 19, 2021 in Collaborative Law

When exploring your options for splitting up with your spouse, the idea of a traditional litigated divorce can be daunting to some people. In truth, there are actually very few divorces that make it to an actual trial. Most divorces in today’s world have some degree of cooperation throughout the process. When a couple cannot agree, however, litigation can be one of your only options -- aside from collaborative divorce. Both types of divorces can offer different benefits to different families, which is why you should discuss your situation with an Illinois divorce attorney before making any decisions.

Defining Collaborative Divorce

Many people have never heard of a collaborative divorce, or they may have heard about it, but do not actually know what it is. A collaborative divorce is an alternative to traditional divorce litigation that allows a couple to complete their divorce without having to go to court. In many cases, collaborative divorces are used during contested divorce cases that would otherwise result in a legal battle. Instead of spending multiple sessions in a courtroom just to have a judge decide your fate, a collaborative divorce takes place during meetings between you, your spouse, and both of your attorneys. Collaborative divorces may also involve various professionals from different fields who can provide guidance and advice on specific issues throughout the process.

Benefits of Utilizing a Collaborative Divorce

Many couples have found that there are a variety of benefits and reasons to use the collaborative divorce process, rather than litigation -- especially if there is disagreement or contention between the couple. Some of the most advantageous reason to choose a collaborative divorce include:

• It allows you to have control over the decisions that are made during the divorce, such as decisions pertaining to child custody and parenting time.
• It can help facilitate a cooperative relationship between you and your spouse.
• It gives you the ability to control how quickly or slowly your divorce proceeds.
• It teaches you and your spouse how to communicate effectively with one another.
• You can have support for all areas of your divorce through various professionals, including financial analysts, child custody specialists, or even an estate planner.
• It protects your privacy by preventing your divorce proceedings and negotiations from becoming part of the public record.
• It can shield your children from much of the stress and conflict that a traditional litigated divorce can produce.

Our Palatine, IL Divorce Attorney Can Answer Any Questions You Might Have

Going through a divorce can be stressful for any family, no matter what method you use to resolve disputes with your spouse. At the Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C., we understand how important it is to choose a divorce process that will fit your family’s situation. Our skilled Arlington Heights, IL collaborative divorce lawyer will help you make sure your rights are protected, no matter what. To speak with our attorney, call our office today at 847.873.6741 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3804&ChapterID=59