What Is Collaborative Divorce? (Part A)

Are you currently facing the end of your marriage? Virginia collaborative divorce may be an option for you. Rather than going to court for a long, drawn-out trial, you and your spouse can work together to come up with the terms of your divorce. This may result in a better outcome than letting a third party decide what is best for you, your spouse, and your children.

You will first need to decide if you and your spouse can put aside your differences to make mutual decisions regarding the division of assets, property and debts, as well as child support and custody. The only way a Virginia collaborative divorce can work is if both sides are willing to compromise.

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

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

Virginia collaborative divorce is a new approach to dispute resolution. In a collaborative divorce, each side works with a team to resolve problems by cooperating rather than through litigation. Every party involved must commit to working toward a negotiated agreement.

A Virginia collaborative divorce team may consist of two collaborative Virginia divorce lawyers and two divorce coaches as well as a child specialist and a financial specialist. Both you and your spouse are responsible for choosing your own Virginia divorce attorney and divorce coach. Together, you will select a neutral child specialist and financial specialist.

Your collaborative divorce team works together to teach you and your spouse how to better communicate and deal with your feelings. The financial specialist will help you create a financial plan, while the child specialist will teach you how to create a parenting plan. The ultimate goal of Virginia collaborative divorce is to help you reach an agreement without going through the litigation process.

In a collaborative divorce, your Virginia divorce attorneys have incentive to help you reach a settlement with your spouse; if the lawyers cannot help you resolve your issues and you decide that you must go through litigation, your collaborative divorce lawyer may no longer be able to represent you. Your attorney can give you more information on this process.

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