Should You Consider Collaborative Law for a Divorce?

At this time of year, many people decide to file for divorce.  Often they delay to get through the holidays and then plan to file in January or February. If you are one of those people, you may be considering filing for divorce and using the Collaborative Divorce process, or you may be undecided on how to proceed. Either way, here are some points to ponder as you decide how to go forward.
  
Why should you consider Collaborative Law?  It’s worth looking into if any of the following might be important to you:

•    Privacy.
•    Control over the timing.
•    Control over the decision-making.
•    Expert neutral help in working out a parenting plan for your children.
•    Expert neutral financial help so you can understand your finances.
•    Expert neutral financial help to gather, organize and review your financial information to make sure it is all reported and is accurate.
•    Expert help moderating negotiations to keep them safe, efficient and  productive.
•    Both parties using well-trained attorneys to advise and help work out solutions.
•    Avoiding court hearings.
•    Replacing expensive, formal Discovery procedures with informal cooperative efforts overseen by neutral experts.
•    Keeping on good terms with your ex-spouse for the benefit of your children
•    Creating customized property division plans focused on what’s important for you and your spouse.                           
•    Creating customized plans for sharing time with the children
•    Coordinating and controlling, by agreements,  your financial planning for the family into the future.


You probably have many questions about the alternatives. The best way to get answers is to go see an attorney who is trained and experienced in Collaborative Law.  You can find out about timing, cost and how to get started. It helps to get direct answers that apply to your case.

Note:  if you meet with a Collaborative attorney who tries to talk you out of using Collaborative Law, please do yourself a favor and get a second opinion from a trained and experienced Collaborative attorney.  Unfortunately, some attorneys advertise themselves as Collaborative attorneys, but they use that to draw in potential clients and then talk them out of using the process. Do yourself a favor and get a second opinion.