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How Will a Collaborative Divorce Benefit Me? (Part A)

Are you and your estranged spouse seeking a divorce in Virginia? In some instances, you may find that a Virginia collaborative divorce is the most beneficial option for you to end your marriage.

You may be wondering "what are the benefits of a collaborative divorce?" While there are several factors to consider when answering this question, the biggest benefit to a collaborative divorce is that both you and your spouse decide on the terms of your settlement rather than leaving it up to the courts.

The Collaborative Divorce Team

A collaborative divorce team consists of Virginia divorce lawyers and divorce counselors as well as a neutral financial coach and child specialist. The goal of the team is to help you communicate and settle disputes without resorting to litigation. During the collaborative divorce process, your Virginia divorce attorney will provide you with advice and act as an advocate for the best interests of you and your children.

If you have questions about Virginia collaborative divorce, it would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced Virginia divorce attorney who understands women's issues in Virginia. It is important that the Virginia divorce lawyer you choose has handled cases similar to yours and that they understand the benefits of collaborative divorce.

Collaborative Divorce May Mean Less Stress

During a traditional divorce, there is often a tendency for each side to want to "win." This can cause bitterness that affects not only yourself, but your children. By choosing a collaborative divorce, you can work together and help avoid the wounds that often accompany litigation.

Before the collaborative divorce process can start, all parties involved must sign a Participation Agreement. In agreement, you and your spouse must agree to provisions such as: 

  • Resolving issues in a non-adversarial manner.
  • Relying on your Virginia collaborative divorce attorney when reaching an agreement.
  • Communicating in a fair and constructive manner.


Collaborative divorce is often referred to as alternative dispute resolution; that is, rather than using the courts to solve your problems, you work with your husband to solve them together.

In a Virginia collaborative divorce, going to court is not an option for solving any issues that might arise. In signing the participation agreement, you promise not to take your case to trial during negotiations. In fact, if you or your husband decides to litigate, your attorney may have to withdraw from your case. This gives the Virginia divorce attorney extra incentive to resolve differences without a judge.

Cooperative problem-solving during these tense times is beneficial to your family. If you have children, collaborative divorce allows you to set a good example by showing that you can resolve issues without conflict.

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