Is Collaborative Family Law Only for “Simple” Divorces?
A common reason why some separating couples feel like they need to go straight to court is that they consider their situation to be complicated. It’s a misconception that alternative legal methods like Collaborative Practice are only for “straightforward” separations where the couple had an amicable split, there are no children involved, and there’s no substantial wealth to deal with.
If there’s one thing we know as legal, financial, and family professionals, it’s that a divorce is never straightforward. There is no such thing as an entirely typical divorce and, more importantly, collaborative law is extremely effective during what many people would deem “complicated” situations.
Understanding your own divorce
If you’ve been reading our collaborative law blog, you’ll know that instead of traditional litigation or arbitration, where each person has a lawyer to represent them and the court or arbitrator decides the outcome of a divorce, collaborative practice is about people working together. Each person has a lawyer, but we often involve family or financial professionals and all work together for an outcome that the clients are in full control of.
A product of working together with legal, financial, and family professionals is that each client is given the opportunity to ask questions and truly understand their family’s current situation and future plans. We find that when clients are involved in each stage of a divorce, they feel more satisfied with the outcome and the process.
Sometimes, during traditional litigation or arbitration, individuals can feel like they are in the dark and end up with a divorce they don’t understand, especially if it was “complicated”.
When it gets messy
As we mentioned, when a couple decides to separate, there are bound to be some complications. Anger, frustration, sadness, and a myriad of other emotions mean that the process will not be simple. Add the desire to protect your children or any concern about your financial state and it can get pretty messy.
Collaborative Practice is built on the idea that separation and divorce are more than dividing assets and access to children. Mess is expected, which is why the process is designed to assist with these complications to bring your family through this difficult season and into a positive future.
Putting everything back together
Instead of ending a marriage and leaving it there, Collaborative Practice focuses on the new shape your family is taking. Co-parenting strategies can be discussed, as well as planning for future financial needs or ensuring that you have the support you require as individuals.
