Very few couples can get through the divorce process without some sort of conflict. It can be an emotional and messy affair, so disputes are generally expected. Not everyone wants to hash things out in court, however. For Massachusetts residents, collaborative divorce law offers a conflict resolution alternative to the traditional process.
A collaborative divorce allows couples to negotiate their own settlement terms with the assistance of legal counsel rather than a mediator and without the need for litigation. To get the process started, each spouse will have the opportunity to meet privately with their legal counsel in order to discuss what they are willing to let go and what issues require negotiation. After that, meetings will be scheduled for both parties and their attorneys to attend in order for negotiations to begin.
The divorce process, especially if the court gets involved, can take a bit of time depending on how many issues a couple has to resolve. A collaborative divorce generally takes less time. This, in turn, saves both parties money.
Collaborative divorce as a conflict resolution alternative will only work if both parties are ready to put in the work and are willing to negotiate. It is certainly an option that can benefit numerous divorcing couples in Massachusetts. Those who would like more information about this and other alternatives to the traditional divorce process can seek assistance from an experienced family law attorney. With the right help, it is possible to choose a course of action that will best benefit both parties in the long run.
Source: FindLaw, “How Collaborative Divorce Works: FAQs“, Accessed on April 9, 2017
