The Role of Third-Party Professionals in a Collaborative Divorce

 Posted on August 22, 2022 in Divorce

 Collaborative divorce is an alternative dispute resolution method divorcing couples can use to reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. The collaborative process allows the spouses to negotiate issues such as the division of marital assets and debts, child custody, and spousal maintenance. Ideally, spouses can reach a settlement through the collaborative process and avoid the litigation process.

There are many benefits to the collaborative process. Spouses remain in control of the outcome of the divorce and keep the case out of Court. The process is also confidential, unlike many Court proceedings. Parents may find that working cooperatively during the collaborative divorce process also sets them up for a cooperative co-parenting relationship after the divorce. One of the most important benefits of a collaborative divorce is the insight provided by third-party professionals.

Collaborative Professionals Can Help You Reach a Mutually Agreeable Divorce Resolution

A collaborative divorce begins with each spouse retaining a collaborative attorney. The parties each have a lawyer who advises them and provides legal guidance, however, the attorneys are not pitted against each other. The attorneys are focused on negotiating a divorce resolution that both spouses agree to.

When you use collaborative law to end your marriage, you have the opportunity to work with experts in various fields. These experts provide additional assistance and insight beyond what your attorney provides. You may choose to work with a:

• Financial professional – Almost every aspect of the divorce will impact the spouses’ finances. A financial professional such as an accountant or financial advisor can help you address marital property and shared financial liabilities, value retirement assets and real estate, plan your post-divorce budget, and manage other crucial financial decisions.
• Child specialist – Divorcing parents who want to ensure they make the best decisions possible may work with a child specialist. This person can help you evaluate various child custody solutions, minimize the disruption in the children’s lives, choose a parenting time schedule that serves the children’s best interests.
• Divorce coach – A divorce coach helps divorcing spouses deal with the intense psychological and emotional implications of divorce. A divorce coach can help you and your spouse communicate effectively, reduce conflict, clarify your goals, and facilitate productive conversations.

Contact a Barrington Divorce Lawyer

If you are getting divorced, consider using collaborative law to settle the divorce. With collaborative divorce, you gain legal advice and representation from an attorney without going through a stressful litigation process. Call Arlington Heights collaborative divorce attorney Nicholas Richardson if you would like to learn more about how the collaborative process can help you end your marriage amicably. Call 847.873.6741 for a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

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