By: Elizabeth Vaz, Esq.
We all know someone who has been divorced. Admit it. Maybe it's someone you are close to. Maybe it's someone in your family. Maybe it's you. With divorce being such a common occurrence in our society and with so many millions of families being affected by divorce, you would think that our systems would treat divorce like another life event, as opposed to a knock-down, drag-out battle. Of course this life event is sad; even tragic sometimes. However, the path that you choose to take during your divorce, can make all the difference for your future.
Most people thinking about divorce, have no idea that they have options that do not include going to court. While some of the nuances vary from state to state, for the most part in the United States, the way it works is very formulaic. You want to get a divorce so you go and hire your attorney, who will then go to the Court (or the Clerk) and file for the divorce. Then your spouse will be served with the papers and the court appearances start soon thereafter. Even in the most "amicable" divorces, most people envision that the courthouse is where they need to be. This could not be further from the truth.
When you are thinking about divorce, you DO NOT need to consider the court at all. Another path that you can choose actually involves neither of you ever having to enter the courthouse at all. The formal Collaborative Divorce Process empowers you with a team of professionals who can assist you with crafting solutions that are right for your family and that will help you now and into the future. You have legal representation and you have the benefit of a financial professional to help with the budgeting and division of assets and you have a facilitator who will ensure that the process remains on track and that your time, money and energy remain paramount throughout the process. Neither you nor your spouse ever have to go to court- ever.
When you consider the two paths here, when it comes to divorce, your path should be very clear; choosing an alternative method will benefit your family in so many ways, all while saving you time, money and emotional energy. Choose a better path forward; choose Collaborative.
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