How the Collaborative Divorce Process Works in Illinois

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Collaborative Law

It has often been said that breaking up is hard to do. This can be especially true if you are getting a divorce, which has emotional and financial impacts, not to mention the life upheaval it brings. Not all divorces have to be full-on feuds, though. A form of alternative dispute resolutions, a collaborative divorce is designed to keep the peace between separating spouses and come out on the other side with a settlement that is mutually agreeable. What Is Collaborative Divorce?

The theory behind a collaborative divorce is that both spouses will work together (or collaborate) to come to an agreement that they can both be satisfied with. Both spouses have their own lawyers, much like a traditional litigated divorce. Rather than deciding issues in court, the collaborative process takes place in private meetings between the two spouses and their lawyers where the group negotiates their issues, rather than having a judge decide their outcomes. Collaborative divorce begins with both spouses sign an agreement stating that they will:

• Not go to court;
• Be honest with one another and foster communication; and
• Take a problem-solving approach to their divorce.

Collaborative Law Professionals

In addition to their separate attorneys, couples who are using the collaborative model for divorce also have a team of trained professionals to guide them through the different issues that a divorce comes with. These professionals might include:

• A financial planner;
• A child psychologist;
• A family therapist;
• A real estate broker; and
• A parenting coordinator.

Financial Benefits of Collaborative Divorce There are many benefits of a collaborative divorce, such as increased control over your outcomes, a speedier timeline and much less stress and anxiety than a litigated divorce. One benefit that not many people think about is that it can be financially smart, too. Litigated divorces often add up in costs very quickly. In a litigated divorce, you are responsible for all court costs and fees every time you appear in court to decide an issue. With collaborative law, you decide all of your issues before you step foot in a courtroom. Contact a Trained Naperville Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Collaborative divorce can greatly reduce the strain and emotional impact that divorce has on a person. Because of the nature of collaborative divorce, spouses are required to work together to solve their issues--not fight about them. This creates a more communicative nature between the spouses, which increases the likelihood of successful post-divorce outcomes. Your first step in beginning the collaborative divorce process is finding a Kendall County collaborative divorce attorney. The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. can help you take the first steps toward a fair divorce. To set up a consultation, call 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.americanbar.org/publications/gp_solo/2015/january-february/family_law_collaborative_divorce_why_underwhelming_advance.html

https://www.divorcemag.com/family-law-attorney/pros-and-cons-of-the-collaborative-divorce-process/

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/collaborative_divorce