Collaborative Divorce is dispute resolution process in which divorcing spouses work together, with the assistance of their attorneys and sometimes other neutral professionals, to resolve their divorce without going to court. The parties’ interests are adverse to one another, but this process does not put them against each other as adversaries. Instead, the parties, their lawyers, and other neutral professionals work together as a team to help them reach an agreement in their divorce. The focus of Collaborative Divorce is to address the couple’s goals and interests in a forward-looking manner rather than punishing each other for past behavior.
What are the benefits of Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is an excellent way to divorce in a private, confidential setting, away from the courtroom, on a timeline that the spouses and their attorneys can control. The divorcing couple, their attorneys, and any neutrals in the case may not testify in a hearing or trial as part of the Collaborative Divorce process, and a judge does not force a timeline that may not work for that couple’s situation. The spouses work with their own attorneys as well as the jointly retained neutral financial expert and neutral parenting plan expert to help them create a settlement unique to their family’s needs.
How does the Collaborative Divorce process work?
Just as the court follows certain laws and rules, Collaborative Divorce has its own set of rules and procedures. Experience has shown that following these procedures maximizes the likelihood of a positive outcome for families in divorce. For more information about how Collaborative Divorce works, contact a member of the North Texas Collaborative Divorce Alliance.
How does Collaborative Divorce benefit families with children?
The Collaborative Divorce process provides parents a child-focused process which enables and supports them in developing a post-divorce plan that is in the best interest of their own children, rather than a cookie-cutter approach. Each child is different, and each family deserves a custom-fitted parenting-plan.