Divorce affects more children more profoundly than any other legal proceeding. For many families, divorce prompts their first and only contact with lawyers and with courts. Too often, the court process itself exacerbates rather than heals the family's hurt and division.
Consequently, many families choose to divorce without going to court. Instead, they choose a new process known as "collaborative divorce." In collaborative divorce, the parents agree in advance to resolve their disputes without resorting to court.
As with any divorce, each parent hires his or her own attorney. The attorneys advocate for their respective clients. However, instead of going to court the advocacy takes place in four way meetings involving both parents and their counsel. Parents might also include other professionals, such as divorce coaches, a financial specialist and a child specialist.
Children benefit the most from this process. Collaborative divorce allows parents to reach their goals without the bitterness of a battle in court. Consequently, parents leave the process better able to cooperate for the benefit of their children.
Divorce is rarely pleasant. However, for many families, collaborative divorce provides a way to achieve divorce while keeping control within the family and minimizing strife. In this way, the parents prepare their family for successful post-divorce co-parenting.
For more information on collaborative divorce, check the web sites for the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the Collaborative Law Institute of Kansas, and the Collaborative Law Institute of Missouri. You can also write me at Scott@yourchild1st.com .
No comments:
Post a Comment