Preparing for a divorce can be terrifying. We’ve all seen the movies’ portrayal of divorce as a heavily litigated, contentious exercise that leaves families worse for ware. Luckily, Pennsylvania recognizes alternatives to the litigation process, including Collaborative Divorce.
What is a Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is a legally recognized way to end your marriage without going through the judge-led litigation process. With Collaborative Divorce the decisions are left in your hands, not in the hands of a judge. You and your spouse will work with a team of professionals to find a fair and reasonable resolution to your marriage, including: finances, custody arrangements, child support, spousal support, decisions about the home, and more.
A Collaborative Divorce is a much less contentious method that keeps you and your spouse in control. With the guidance of a Collaborative Divorce Team (including a Collaborative Divorce Coach, Attorneys, and financial professionals) you and your spouse will collectively decide how to end your relationship in a manor that is fair and affords you both the opportunity to be heard. Many parents are choosing Collaborative Divorce because it’s process enables couples to focus on the welfare of their children above all else.
Your Collaborative Divorce Coach
Your Collaborative Divorce Coach plays a neutral role to help the couple work toward a fair resolution to their marriage while helping each person find their voice and come to terms with the divorce. This role requires Shana to coordinate between all other Collaborative Divorce Team Members to ensure the process continues to move in the right direction. Shana’s background as a mental health professional enables her to help couples navigate the difficult emotions that often arise during the divorce process.
What are the benefits of Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is often more cost-effective, less stressful than litigated court proceedings, a quicker timeline (timing is entirely up to the couple), focuses on the well-being of the entire family, establishes a manageable plan for children post-divorce, and removes the toxic nature of divorce proceedings by encouraging couples to work together to find a meaningful resolution.
Should I find an attorney first?
It’s important to understand that not all attorneys practice collaborative law. If you are interested in a Collaborative Divorce and would like a list of local attorneys who practice collaborative law, we would be happy to provide that. Please reach out to our office and we can discuss your situation and what the appropriate next steps should be.
How will Collaborative Divorce impact my children?
When children are part of the divorce equation it can be especially helpful to choose Collaborative Divorce. Collaborative Divorce Teams will include a Child Advocate. This mental health professional will help keep the well-being and needs of your child at the forefront, as well as helping the child/children cope with the many varying emotions of the divorce process.
What if my spouse is opposed to the idea of Collaborative Divorce?
Many times one spouse is opposed to the idea because they don’t full understand the process or they have not processed the idea of a divorce, in general. If you are struggling to convince your spouse it can be helpful to reach out to a Collaborative Divorce Coach and talk together about the process. Your spouse will be able to ask questions and discuss the process with someone who has been there many times before. If you would like to discuss your situation, feel free to contact us below.
