On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Friday, July 13, 2012.
To many throughout the Chicago area, the first thought when the word divorce is uttered is that it is a long, acrimonious process. There is of course good reason for this assumption-for many it is the way the divorce unfolds. Of course, this is not the way it has to be. More and more today divorcing couples are choosing the route of collaborative divorce.
Collaborative divorce is the process of ending a marriage in a manner that is not litigious. In addition to each party being represented by their attorney, a financial advisor who is neutral is a part of conversations. In some cases, a neutral mental health professional will be present as well. At the start, each side signs a contract that provides that in the event the process fails, the matter can be taken to court. Should this happen, each parent would need to secure a different attorney however.
Due to the cooperative nature of the collaborative process, many who have children have turned to this process in an effort to make the split as stress free as possible for their children. It is appealing for couples who are able to place the feelings of their children before the anger and distrust they have toward their estranged spouse.
There are other reasons to seek a collaborative divorce. Compared to one in which the division of every item in the house is argued and can cost up to $20,000 in litigation fees, a collaborative divorce could cost as little as $1,500.
Source: The Chicago Tribune, “Can your divorce be collaborative?” Jen Weigel, July 10, 2012