For many people who seek a divorce in New Hampshire, the end of their marriage does not signify the end of the relationship. Couples who have children together will have to continue to co-parent together as they work toward making decisions that are in the best interests of their children. Because a traditional divorce can sometimes generate a great deal of conflict, creating feelings that could ultimately impact parents’ abilities to work together in the best interests of their children, many are turning to alternative forms of dispute resolution, including collaborative law.
In a collaborative divorce, each spouse obtains a separate attorney for advice about the many important issues that must be decided, including child support and custody. However, both couples are committed to being honest and avoiding court. Fortunately, there are a variety of professionals who can work with the couple to help them fully understand the implications of their decisions.
During the process, several unbiased parties will work with an experienced team. For example, a financial consultant can help review the family’s finances. Additionally, a child specialist can meet with children to help them understand what is happening and discuss their feelings. These professionals can then inform the team, helping spouses understand what they have discovered and guide the decision-making process.
The decision to seek a divorce is an inherently difficult one to make. In some cases, contentious proceedings can disrupt any potential for harmony in future encounters, including making necessary parenting decisions. Through collaborative law, couples in New Hampshire can come to a quicker, less stressful and less expensive resolution.
Source: pilotonline.com, “Collaborative divorce aims to preserve family harmony | Expert column”, Dale Truitt Berrett and Lawrence E. Luck, Nov. 17, 2017
