A collaborative divorce happens outside of court. It involves a couple working together with the help of third parties to reach a mutual agreement on settling the divorce.
Compared to a traditional divorce that takes place in court in front of a judge, a collaborative divorce is a less expensive and faster way of handling a divorce. Here is why.
A cost and time comparison
While both are legal processes that involve a team of professionals working alongside each spouse, a traditional divorce is costlier. First, you will have to deal with the costs associated with litigation, such as court fees. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
You may be looking at significant legal fees if your divorce extends for a considerable period. It is a real possibility because court cases can drag on forever. In addition, you may have to take time off work to attend court hearings. Other soft costs include transport and accommodation expenses — which can also pile up.
On the other hand, a collaborative divorce is more flexible because you can set convenient schedules. You won’t have to worry about a court date that coincides with a crucial business meeting. Everything will also take a shorter time to conclude since you are pulling from the same end of the rope rather than going against each other.
Make the right choice
You may prefer a collaborative divorce, but is it right for you? The answer to this question requires an assessment of the unique aspects of your divorce. A court process may be ideal in some cases, such as an abusive marriage or if one spouse is unwilling to cooperate.
If your marriage is on the rocks or divorce is on the horizon, it’s best to seek legal counsel to protect your interests and help you make the right choices.
