Numerous divorcing couples in Georgia and other states want an alternative to the traditional dissolution process. Currently, there are a few options available, one of which is called collaborative divorce. How does it work?
The purpose of collaborative divorce is to resolve disputes out of court. This will require that both spouses be ready and willing to negotiate in order to achieve a fair and balanced dissolution agreement. This can take a lot of effort by both spouses, but the final result can be a settlement tailored exactly to the needs of both parties and their children — if applicable.
To some, collaborative divorce may sound a lot like mediation. However, with this form of alternative dispute resolution, there will not be a neutral third party helping with the discussions. It simply involves two spouses and their attorneys, but the focus is on working together to reach a settlement that benefits both parties and any children involved. Each party will have the opportunity to discuss what he or she would like to get out of the process and then meetings will be scheduled for the negotiations to begin. Depending on how many issues need to be resolved, this process can be completed rather quickly or it can take a bit of time — every marital situation is different.
There are several benefits of choosing a collaborative divorce. Along with dissolving one’s marriage in a more cooperative and positive way, the overall process can take less time than a traditional divorce and may be less expensive. Georgia residents who would like more information about this form of alternative dispute resolution and how it may benefit their situations can seek counsel from an experienced family law attorney.
Source: FindLaw, “Collaborative Divorce: Overview“, Accessed on April 10, 2017