Divorce is often a messy, bitter process that pits spouses against one another in a bitter fight over property and time with the family’s children. The more couples dispute the terms of their divorces, the longer it will take to finalize the divorce and the more damage the process will do to the relationship between the two of them.
The impact of bitter divorce litigation can be especially concerning for those who share children or may continue to interact with one another in a professional context after their divorce. Many couples now consider collaborative proceedings instead of automatically pursuing litigation.
What are the benefits of collaborative divorce that inspire people to stop fighting and start cooperating with one another?
It can keep costs lower
Divorce will cost thousands of dollars. You have to pay filing fees and for legal representation in addition to absorbing the losses that occur when you divide your marital property with your spouse.
The average litigated divorce where couples ask the judge to make decisions on two or more disagreements will cost $23,300 on average based on data from 2019. However, if couples collaborate and agree to terms outside of court, their uncontested divorce will be far less expensive. The average cost of an uncontested filing was $4,100, although some couples may still spend far more than that.
The process could actually be faster
It will certainly take time and patience to negotiate a property division or custody settlement with your spouse. However, the alternative is waiting for a day in court and then presenting evidence about your family to a judge, a process that can be time-consuming and ineffective.
No amount of evidence can give a judge a true glimpse of your family’s inner workings, which means there’s always the risk of misinterpretation and an inappropriate outcome. Collaborative divorce is faster because you won’t have to present evidence to a judge or wait for them to review your circumstances to resolve your disagreements.
It helps you focus on the big picture
Divorce litigation often becomes emotional and messy as people let their feelings dictate their actions. Spouses litigating and divorce may seek terms that a judge will never agree to just because they want to punish their spouse.
When you have to work with one another instead of fighting each other, it will be easier for you to ignore those worst impulses and focus instead on rebuilding your life for a better and happier future. Rather than increasing your stress levels and wasting your resources on a protracted battle with your spouse, you can save your time and energy for happier purposes if you cooperate with your spouse for the end of your marriage.
Pursuing a collaborative approach to divorce can be beneficial for you, your spouse and any children that the two of you share.
