Divorce is often difficult for everyone involved. However, children often feel the effects of parental conflict more deeply.
Even when both spouses agree that separating is the right decision, disagreements about parenting time, child support, property division and other issues can turn a divorce into an ongoing source of tension. For some parents, collaborative divorce may provide a way to resolve these issues while keeping the focus on what matters the most: their children’s well-being.
What is collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce allows spouses to work with their attorneys to find solutions to common problems such as:
- Parenting schedules and responsibilities
- Child support
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal support
- Decision-making for the children
In addition to their attorneys, a collaborative divorce often includes other professionals such as financial advisors, a child psychologist or a divorce coach, depending on the family’s needs. Rather than having a judge decide everything, the collaborative process provides a structured environment where spouses can address disagreements and work toward mutually acceptable solutions.
Ongoing conflict in the home can cause children to feel stress and anxiety. They may feel caught between parents and worry about where they will live, whether they will see both parents regularly or whether they are somehow responsible for the divorce. While a collaborative divorce can’t eliminate all the stress associated with divorce, it can give parents a framework for resolving differences without turning every dispute into a courtroom battle.
One potential advantage of collaborative divorce is that it encourages parents to focus on the family’s needs rather than trying to “win” a dispute. They can work with the collaborative professionals to create solutions designed specifically for their family’s circumstances. Collaborative divorce can also help parents learn to co-parent effectively. It encourages parents to develop communication and problem-solving skills that may continue to benefit their family after the divorce is finalized.
Collaborative divorce isn’t for everyone. If there is a significant power imbalance, domestic violence or another circumstance that makes cooperative negotiations inappropriate or unsafe, parents may need to try a different approach.
If you are considering divorce, speak with a legal professional who can help you determine whether collaborative divorce or another approach fits your family.
