5 Collaborative Law Techniques to Succeed in Divorce
- Why are collaborative law techniques helpful in divorce?
- Five tried-and-true techniques
- Hello Divorce can help
Want a respectful and civilized divorce? Most people do. Collaborative law techniques may be just the thing you need to know more about.
In divorce, you are bound to find yourself navigating complex legal issues, financial arrangements, and emotional turmoil. Why not make it as easy on yourself as possible?
Collaborative law can help divorcing couples achieve a positive outcome by reducing conflict, fostering cooperation, and promoting a fair settlement agreement that meets everyone’s needs.
Why are collaborative law techniques helpful in divorce?
Collaborative law techniques can be particularly helpful in situations where spouses want to end the marriage but can't seem to agree on their divorce terms.
The techniques embrace interest-based negotiation and effective communication. Both people are encouraged to identify their underlying needs, concerns, and goals rather than merely arguing over positions. This encourages creative problem-solving, allowing both people to explore options and find solutions that satisfy everyone.
Neutral professionals
Neutral professionals are often involved in collaborative divorce cases. The roster may include financial planners, child specialists, and therapists who can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process.
These neutral experts can help make sure all of your divorce issues are considered, from financial arrangements to child custody. This oversight often results in a more comprehensive and fair divorce settlement.
FYI: Five collaborative law techniques
Collaborative divorce offers several key benefits over alternative methods, such as reduced conflict, more control over the outcome, protection of children's interests, preservation of privacy, and potentially lower costs compared to traditional litigation.
To better understand collaborative law, let's examine five specific techniques that can be used to reach a positive outcome in a collaborative divorce:
Discussing expectations upfront
At the beginning of the collaborative divorce process, both parties should openly discuss their expectations, concerns, and desired outcomes, especially concerning the major issues of their settlement agreement. This helps create a shared understanding of each person's goals and priorities, allowing for more effective negotiations.
For example, try to be as specific as possible when discussing your financial needs (think spousal support, child support), parenting plans, and any other issues that matter to you. With a clear picture of the final outcome, both parties can work together toward a fair and mutually beneficial agreement
Suggested: Askers vs. Guessers: Understanding Negotiation Styles
Establishing an interdisciplinary team
Consider rounding up a full team of professional helpers before you start your divorce process. This may include a financial advisor to help you with property division and budgeting, a mental health professional to offer emotional support, a child specialist who can address the needs of any children involved, and other experts who can offer sound guidance and support:
By leveraging their combined expertise, this interdisciplinary team can help you navigate complex issues and make informed decisions, ultimately leading to a more successful resolution.
Establishing open and transparent communication channels
Communication is key to the collaborative divorce process. It’s crucial to maintain open and honest communication between all parties – not only the divorcing couple but also their collaborative attorneys and other involved professionals.
Encourage regular meetings, updates, and discussions among teammates to keep everyone on the same page. Transparency and collaboration help divorcing parties find solutions they agree on.
Focusing on each party's interests while respecting differences
During divorce negotiations, it's essential to focus on the underlying interests and needs of both parties. This can feel challenging if you’re not on the best of terms, but if you can find some common ground, both people are more likely to be satisfied with the resolution.
Creating a comprehensive divorce agreement
Your divorce agreement will be notated in a document, and this document should cover all aspects of your divorce, including financial arrangements and co-parenting plans.
Craft an agreement that accurately reflects the needs and interests of both parties as well as any children involved. You might need to engage in divorce mediation with a neutral third party to help you write it, but if you can manage to agree upon the elements of this document, you minimize your risk of future disputes and promote a smoother transition to post-divorce life.
Hello Divorce can help
At Hello Divorce, we understand that every divorce situation is unique. However, if you can adopt these collaborative approaches, it can significantly improve your overall experience, and you will be more likely to get a fair and satisfactory outcome.
Our goal is to help clients save money and experience less stress while getting the divorce they need. We offer people like you the support and guidance needed to get a fresh start through cost-effective plans. Speak with us today to see how we can support you.
Getting divorced? A divorce coach may be just the professional you need to guide you through this process. Learn more here.
