What Are the Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce in Illinois?
Making the decision to get a divorce is never easy. For many people, it takes months or even years to come to the conclusion that a divorce is their best option. Once a couple has accepted the idea of ending their union, they do not want to regress by going through a contentious and drawn-out divorce. For some couples, a collaborative divorce is a solution that works best for them. A collaborative divorce is a dispute resolution process that takes place in conference rooms or lawyers’ offices, rather than in the courtroom. The collaborative divorce process offers many benefits that the traditional divorce process cannot offer, including:
Less Hostility
One of the benefits that a collaborative divorce offers is the possibility of a more civil, less hostile divorce process. In a litigated divorce, you and your spouse are likely to have much more contention and may not be able to come to an agreement on issues. This does not mean that you and your spouse will not disagree with one another or that the negotiations will be simple in the collaborative process. However, you and your spouse are working together to create solutions that will benefit everyone in a collaborative divorce.
Better Support System
In a traditional litigated divorce, the only people involved in the divorce process are typically you, your spouse, and each of your attorneys. In a collaborative divorce, you may have a more rounded and complete team of professionals who are there to guide you and your spouse through the proceedings. In addition to your attorneys and based on the needs of your family, you can also have assistance from specialists like a forensic accountant, a property appraiser, an estate planning individual, a divorce coach, a family wellness counselor, or a child psychologist.
More Flexibility
One of the most important benefits of a collaborative divorce is the ability for you and your spouse to make your own decisions and come to your own conclusions, rather than having a judge make them for you. If you choose the litigated route, the judge will have to make decisions based on applicable state laws. In a collaborative divorce, you do not have to adhere to laws but can make decisions based on what works best for you and your family.
Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney
A collaborative divorce is not for everyone, but it can be beneficial depending on the circumstances. If you think that a collaborative divorce could work between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse, your first step is to discuss your situation with an experienced Aurora, IL collaborative divorce lawyer. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we strive to help every client choose the divorce process that would best benefit them and their family. Contact us today by calling 630-409-8184 to set up a time for an initial consultation.
Sources:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-collaborative-divorce-is-a-route-worth-considering_b_59d11372e4b0f58902e5cd2d
https://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/relationships/collaborative-divorce-benefits/
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3804&ChapterID=59