As previously discussed in our Central Massachusetts family law blog, collaborative divorce offers a viable alternative to traditional litigation. Collaborative divorce has become a popular option to settle a variety of Westborough family law matters.
The picture of divorce often conjures images of feuding couples fighting in the courtroom over everything from division of property to child custody. However, the adversarial route is one that many couples are choosing to avoid. Where possible, collaborative divorce can save stress, time and money. It can also make the divorce process easier on children of a marriage. The concept takes a problem-solving approach to resolving issues that arise in divorce.
In a collaborative divorce, couples agree to work together to reach an agreement over the details of their property settlement agreement. Spouses negotiate everything from the division of marital property, alimony, child custody and child support. Many divorces involve the split of a family business or domestic partnership issues. All these matters can be settled in a collaborative divorce if the parties are dedicated to the process.
Although the concept of collaborative divorce has been around since the 1980s, not all attorneys are familiar with the process. For this reason, it is important to enlist the help of an experienced Central Massachusetts family law attorney if you are facing divorce. Collaborative law offers a real-life alternative to the traditional path of litigation through a divorce. However, collaboration may not be possible in all cases or to resolve all issues. In those situations, the courts are always available to settle disputes for a couple going through a divorce.
Source: USA Today, “Collaborative divorce offers options to court battles,” Maura Ammenheuser, Mar. 21, 2013