For many years, litigation was the only option for couples seeking a divorce in Connecticut. However, many couples are now participating in a collaborative divorce. This is a non-adversarial mediation process to resolve family disputes like divorce, child custody, and other post-final judgment issues families may encounter.
When you hire a Fairfield collaborative divorce lawyer to represent you, we can discuss the benefits of this approach as opposed to formal divorce proceedings. A collaborative approach can under certain circumstances be more cost-effective for families, but most importantly allows for both spouses’ goals and concerns to be considered in a supportive environment conducive to problem-solving . To schedule an initial consultation, contact one of our compassionate divorce attorneys.
A collaborative divorce is a confidential, out-of-court settlement process that utilizes an interdisciplinary team approach to divorce, custody, or post-divorce disputes. Couples participating in a collaborative divorce in Fairfield are represented by attorneys joined by a neutral divorce coach and/or neutral financial specialist.
The parties participating in this process will attend a series of scheduled meetings with a team of their lawyers and other neutral professionals. The meetings typically last a few hours in length and occur on a schedule based on the parties’ needs and goals. The average collaborative divorce case can typically be resolved in four to six meetings, which is much shorter than the average litigated divorce. We can help prepare you for the process by reviewing what to expect during the meetings.
There are many advantages to participating in a collaborative divorce rather than a formal litigated divorce proceeding. Some benefits of participating in a collaborative divorce include the following:
A highly contested divorce can cost the parties a significant amount of time and money. The collaborative approach is a great way to streamline these costs to resolve disputes in a more cost-efficient manner.
Similarly, a collaborative divorce is far less time consuming than litigating a divorce. The process moves quicker than traditional litigation as it allows the couple to resolve disputes outside of a high-conflict court setting.
The collaborative process is more confidential than court proceedings, which are public records. For couples in the public eye or with valuable assets, a collaborative divorce can help preserve their privacy and confidentiality.
Divorces require couples to come to an agreement on some difficult issues. Child custody, the division of marital property, and spousal support can be contentiously litigated in court. In a collaborative divorce, the spouses can sit down and discuss what makes sense based on their circumstances. Couples can often develop long-term parenting plans through this goal-oriented process.
While the benefits of a collaborative divorce are clear, it is not always the right approach for everyone. Be sure to consult an experienced lawyer in Fairfield to determine the best approach for your family’s needs.
While collaborative divorce can be a viable option for many couples, there are other scenarios where filing for divorce would make sense. This is especially true for couples battling contentious issues, emotional situations, or when substance abuse or domestic violence is a factor in the breakdown of the marriage. However, in many instances, a collaborative divorce is a great approach for couples who want to remain civil.
Before deciding if a collaborative divorce is right for you, speak with a Fairfield collaborative divorce lawyer who has experience litigating and settling divorces. To discuss whether collaborative divorce is right for you, contact our office.
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