Posted on in Divorce
Ending a marriage is always a difficult choice, but spouses face another hard decision once the choice has been made: How to get it done. There are several ways to get divorced. Some methods, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, contribute to a more peaceful and productive tone than others. However, depending on the facts of your case, collaborative divorce may not be right for you. Here are some facts about how collaborative divorce works in Texas.
What is the Difference Between Collaborative Divorce and Mediation?
Mediation is a process wherein a neutral, trained third-party mediator helps spouses resolve conflict. Spouses still have attorneys, who often join spouses in meeting with the mediator. Attorneys are not explicitly working together, but rather are advocating for each spouse’s interests from across the aisle.
In contrast, collaborative divorce requires spouses and their attorneys to work together in a dignified and cooperative manner to resolve marital issues outside of the courtroom. Other professionals, such as child specialists and accountants, are usually part of the team. Collaborative divorce tends to reduce conflict, which in turn benefits everyone - especially if there are children involved.
An effective collaborative divorce process also sets up spouses with children for cooperative co-parenting in the future by modeling effective communication strategies and helping them create a mutually agreeable parenting agreement.
There Are So Many Professionals - Is Collaborative Divorce Expensive?
While collaborative divorce is certainly not as cost-effective as hashing out differences over your kitchen table, it can produce a substantially better outcome for some couples. It is true that many individuals are often involved in the process, but because all of these individuals have a vested interest in reaching a compromise, collaborative divorce can be faster, less expensive, and certainly less emotionally draining than a litigated divorce.
However, if the collaborative process is not successful, both parties’ attorneys and other professionals withdraw and couples must start over again or use a different process. Attorneys may not represent the same clients in trial but will help facilitate a case transfer to an attorney who can.
Contact a Murphy, TX Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
Collaborative divorce has many potential benefits, but it is not right for everyone. For help understanding whether a collaborative divorce may be the right choice for you and your family, speak with an experienced Collin County divorce attorney at the Law Office of Brian Bagley. Mr. Bagley will go through your options and help you create a divorce plan that fits your circumstances. Call our office today to schedule your free initial consultation at (972) 843-7158.
Source:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.15.htm