Collaborative Divorce

  • Can We Settle Some Divorce Issues and Let the Judge Decide the Rest?

    Hours Categories Collaborative Divorce, Divorce

    You Do Not Have to Settle Everything at Once Divorce does not have to be an all or nothing process. If you and your spouse agree about certain issues, you can resolve those matters and ask the judge to decide only what is still disputed. You might settle nearly everything and have one issue left for a hearing.

    Depending on the issue, that hearing could take only a short amount of time instead of requiring one or more days in court. What Issues Might You Settle Separately? There are many ways to reach a partial settlement. You might agree on your parenting plan but disagree about child support.

    In another case, spouses might resolve parenting and support while leaving property division or maintenance for the…

  • Should I Talk to My Spouse Before Talking to My Divorce Lawyer?

    Hours Categories Collaborative Divorce

    Start With Information If you are considering divorce, one of the first questions you should ask is whether you should tell your spouse or talk to a lawyer first. The answer depends on your relationship with your spouse and how you expect your spouse to respond.

    If you and your spouse have gradually grown apart and are essentially friends who both recognize that the marriage is ending, you may feel comfortable talking about divorce before contacting an attorney. If there is any conflict, anxiety, or uncertainty, I recommend speaking with an attorney first.

    Know Your Rights Before the Conversation Talking to an attorney does not mean you are starting a legal battle. It means you are learning how the divorce process works and understanding what…

  • When Is Mediation Not a Good Choice for a Divorce?

    Hours Categories Collaborative Divorce

    Is There Ever a Bad Time for Mediation? You could wonder if your divorce is too difficult, too contentious, or simply not ready for Mediation. In my experience, Mediation has value even when you are not prepared to immediately settle your entire divorce.

    Sometimes it makes sense to handle custody issues in advance of any financial issues or even to allow your family to try out a particular schedule for a time period, while working through other issues. If you and your spouse are missing documents or financial information, you do not necessarily need to cancel your mediation.

    You will use the session to discuss what information is needed, why it is needed, and how you will obtain and exchange it. A mediator may also…

  • I Just Want It Over! Why Rushing a Divorce is a Big Mistake

    Hours Categories Collaborative Divorce, Divorce

    Moving quickly through a divorce may seem appealing, but making major decisions without fully understanding the long-term consequences could cost you financially, affect the time you spend with your children, and create problems that do not become apparent until years later.

    Why People Want to Finish a Divorce Quickly When you are ready to move on with your life, it is natural to want the divorce process behind you. You may be emotionally exhausted, eager to end the conflict, and ready to focus on a new chapter in your life.

    While those feelings are understandable, making decisions based solely on speeding up the divorce process can lead to outcomes you will later regret. Your divorce agreement will affect your finances, property, parenting arrangements, and future,…

  • Can Mediation or Collaborative Divorce Work in a High-Conflict Divorce?

    Hours Categories Collaborative Divorce, Divorce

    If you and your spouse are constantly arguing, a high-conflict divorce does not automatically mean you have to go to court. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce can help you resolve issues, exchange information, and reach workable solutions while avoiding the time, expense, and stress that fighting it out in court frequently creates.

    High-Conflict Does Not Mean Court Is Your Only Option Many people assume that when there is significant conflict in a divorce, litigation is the only path forward. Many high-conflict divorces are successfully resolved through no court options such as Mediation or Collaborative Divorce.

    The key factor is not whether you and your spouse like each other. The key factor is whether you are both willing to participate in the divorce process, provide the required…

  • Why is Collaborative Divorce Better in a High Net Worth Divorce?

    Hours Categories Collaborative Divorce

    Collaborative Divorce can be especially beneficial in high net worth divorce cases because it offers greater privacy, allows financial experts to work jointly, reduces unnecessary conflict, and helps keep sensitive personal and business information out of the public eye.

    Privacy Matters in High Net Worth Divorce Cases When you have substantial assets, privacy becomes one of the biggest concerns during a divorce. Collaborative Divorce gives you the opportunity to discuss your financial matters in a confidential office setting instead of a public courtroom.

    In a litigated divorce, court hearings are open to the public. Anyone can sit in the courtroom and hear all the details about your finances, property, debts, businesses, and personal matters. In a high-profile divorce, media representatives may attend hearings and report…