As we all know, not all couples live happily ever after. Nearly half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce, with many escalating into heated battles between spouses over issues such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. While divorce can certainly be a tense affair, not all separations have to end with a major legal fight. When divorcing couples are not as combative regarding the division of their marital estate and simply need professional guidance, spouses can greatly simplify the divorce process and save themselves a ton of stress by pursuing a collaborative separation.
What Is a Collaborative Divorce?
Simply put, a collaborative divorce is a process in which you and your spouse establish a mutually satisfactory divorce agreement with the assistance of professionals, such as attorneys, custody specialists, and financial advisors. The purpose of this is to remove disputes from the “fight and win” setting of a courtroom and into a “troubleshoot and solve” format of negotiation.
With a collaborative divorce, you can:
- Minimize tensions between you and your spouse
- Achieve a much quicker resolution
- Avoid the cost, stress, and time commitment of litigation
- Stay in control of your divorce in an informal setting
Collaborative divorces are entirely confidential, and both spouses are provided with recommendations on how to reach a smooth resolution while also guarding their own separate interests. If an agreement should be reached for all issues, it is then submitted to the court to be finalized by a judge.
Is a Collaborative Divorce Right for Me?
While collaborative divorces are far more desirable than a contested separation in court, it is important to remember that their success or failure is largely dependent on the level of cooperation between spouses. A collaborative divorce can only be successful if couples are willing to set aside their differences and remain respectful, open, and honest. While spouses may disagree during this process, having a genuine desire to work together and make joint decisions can be key towards reaching an amicable solution.
Pursue a Collaborative Divorce Today
Regardless of the circumstances, if you are in the beginning stages of a divorce, it is highly recommended you at least attempt to pursue a collaborative separation first before resorting to litigation. At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our skilled Dutchess County divorce lawyers can provide you with exceptional legal representation for your collaborative divorce and guide you and your spouse towards the smoothest resolution possible.
Call (845) 605-4330 today to find out more about how our award-winning advocates can assist you.