When many people think of divorce, the picture that comes to mind is a scenario with angry spouses battling it out in the courtroom. While this is the reality for some divorces, it is not what happens in all situations. Many couples find common ground and proceed through divorce in a civil and mutually respectful way.
There are several benefits to a collaborative divorce, one in which both parties strive to reach mutually satisfying agreements. The extra effort that divorcing couples make to seek shared solutions can pay valuable dividends both in the short and long term.
Reduced conflict, time and costs
Three top benefits of a collaborative divorce include reduced conflict, reduced time and reduced cost. When couples engage in a litigious divorce, they often spend exorbitant amounts of money to fight to the bitter end. The time it takes for each court hearing can extend to months and even years. The conflict that ensues in a situation like this takes its toll on each spouse’s quality of life and overall well-being.
More control over decision-making
When spouses go through a traditional courtroom divorce, they hand over decision-making to the judge. In a collaborative divorce or divorce mediation, the spouses seek to resolve their disputes and come to shared agreements. This means they get to keep control over the decisions that set the course for their futures for years to come.
Less stress for children
When there are children in the family, conflict between the divorcing parents creates additional stress and anxiety for them. Keeping the children’s best interests at the forefront of a divorce is the most effective course of action to ensure that children do not endure any additional trauma. A collaborative divorce or divorce mediation helps children avoid the drawn-out stress of a long court battle between parents. The effort that spouses make to collaborate has a positive trickle-down effect on the whole family.
You should not underestimate the benefits of finding shared solutions through divorce mediation. If you wish to further explore how you may pursue this type of divorce alternative, you should consult with a family law attorney who helps couples in this type of procedure.
