Collaborative Divorce Avoids Litigation And Saves You Money
You may not know that collaborative divorce can be a better way of dissolving your marriage. Many people just assume the only option they have in Kansas City is to get a divorce in the traditional way, with one spouse initiating the process and the other responding and both hiring a lawyer. However, while each of you must also hire a lawyer in collaborative divorce, other aspects are significantly different.
For example, in a traditional divorce, you and your spouse are asking a judge to make the important decisions regarding separation of assets and liabilities, and matters involving your children. This includes child custody, visitation and financial support, who pays which debts and how your vehicles, household furnishings, real estate and other property is divided.
With collaborative divorce, you and your spouse voluntarily agree to participate in discussions led by an experienced collaborative divorce team consisting of individual collaborative divorce attorneys for each party, a neutral divorce financial planner and a mental health professional who assists with parenting and communication issues, all of whom have been trained in collaborative divorce to resolve your marital issues. Your lawyers will inform you of your rights, responsibilities and financial consequences involved in the divorce. They will also provide other relevant legal information, and provide guidance as you work together to negotiate a settlement based on compromise and mutual consideration. However, they will not make decisions for you.
When properly executed, collaborative divorce provides a safe, non-adversarial environment where you and your spouse can communicate freely in a positive and respectful manner to find amicable solutions that meet both your needs. This can be a far more effective way to help you both move forward with your lives, especially when you have children together. Importantly, it takes less time and is much less costly than traditional divorce.
In addition, your privacy is protected in collaborative divorce, as opposed to the exposure of a public courtroom hearing, resulting in far less stress and anxiety. With this proactive approach, both your attorney and your spouse’s attorney will work together to help you reach the best settlement possible for all concerned. Once a settlement agreement has been reached, it will be put in writing and the signed, legally binding agreement will be filed with the Kansas City court for a judge’s approval.
If your goal is to obtain a divorce without a trial, saving money in the process, and you would like the benefit of an experienced professional, contact Levy Craig Family Law in Kansas City. Collaborative divorce attorney Nathalie Elliott has extensive knowledge and experience in collaborative law, having handled cases for clients in both Kansas and Missouri.
For more information about collaborative divorce, call the Family Law Practice at Levy Craig at (816) 454-7474.
