Could a Collaborative Divorce Be the Right Step for Me?

 Posted on January 17, 2024 in Collaborative Law

You might be surprised to learn that there are several different ways that a marriage can legally end. For example, couples can split up through a typical divorce process in family court, an uncontested divorce, legal separation, or mediation. Another less common method for ending a marriage is called collaborative divorce. This can be a great option for couples who have the resources necessary. Suppose you and your spouse do not wish to stay married but want to avoid the animosity that is sometimes characteristic of a typical divorce. In that case, you should speak with a collaborative divorce lawyer in Geneva, IL, to learn more

What Does Collaborative Divorce Mean?

Unlike a typical divorce that plays out in family court, collaborative divorce is a good alternative for people who want to avoid litigating their divorce in court. The spouses involved can build up a team of professionals from many different fields of expertise to help the process move along with less antagonism than is often seen in divorce. These professionals can include mediators, child psychologists, accountants, asset division specialists, and lawyers. They cannot use the same lawyer; each side must hire their legal representation.

Collaborative divorce might cost more initially than a typical divorce because you are hiring the services of numerous professionals. However, it has the potential to make everything go much smoother and quicker, which can make the entire process cost less due to fewer hours you end up paying for.

Advantages of a Collaborative Divorce

One clear advantage of collaborative divorce is that it is more significant for couples who have children. The professionals' team includes people who determine what would best serve the children's interests. Parents investing all these efforts and resources in the process generally agree that their children's best interests must always be at the forefront of any decisions. Therefore, the professionals' advice is more likely to be adhered to.

Another significant advantage of collaborative divorce is that the people getting divorced have much more control over the process. There is no judge who is unaffected by the outcome but can make decisions based on what they believe is best for the family. Instead, the two people most impacted by any outcome can tell their team of professionals what they would like the outcome to be, and the team can work together to find a solution that both sides can accept. One thing to remember with collaborative divorce is that if the couple cannot reach a settlement, the team of professionals they have built is dissolved. The lawyers representing each spouse cannot keep representing them once this happens.

Contact a Kane County, IL Collaborative Divorce Attorney

If you are considering divorce but you and your future ex would prefer to take care of matters amicably, a collaborative divorce could be a great fit for your family. Call The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. at 630-409-8184 to speak with an experienced Geneva, IL collaborative divorce lawyer to find out if this might be a good step for you to take.