It is easy to imagine that every divorce is contentious and that couples will fight over everything, from who gets the pet to who gets more time with the children. However, in reality, many couples can actually agree on several aspects of their divorce, making the entire process much faster and easier.
Even if you do not agree on everything, there are other options apart from “duking it out” in court. Collaborative divorce is one such option.
In this blog, we are highlighting our Groton office, which is one of our five convenient locations. If you’re seeking a friendlier and less confrontational approach to divorce, consider exploring the benefits of a collaborative divorce. At McConnell Family Law Group, our skilled Groton collaborative divorce lawyer can guide you through this process, emphasizing open communication and teamwork to reach mutually beneficial resolutions. With their guidance, you can navigate the complexities of divorce while minimizing conflict and stress. Contact us today at (860) 248-7261 to schedule a consultation.
What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce or collaborative separation pertains to an alternative approach, aimed at addressing the emotional, financial, and legal aspects that surface during the transition from a single household to two separate households for your family. This process is entirely voluntary and emphasizes the provision of essential information to facilitate informed decision-making, fostering constructive negotiations that reflect your interests. Central to this approach is the value of respectful communication and complete transparency. The primary aim of the collaborative divorce process is to resolve divorce matters while striving for a balanced and equitable outcome.
This method of divorce resolution offers an alternative to the traditional litigation-based approach. In a collaborative divorce, each spouse seeking divorce retains their own divorce attorney to advocate for them throughout the entire process. The divorce attorneys are specifically trained and/or certified in collaboration. These legal professionals are committed to offering guidance and support, fostering a joint commitment to the divorce process. Attorneys representing both parties collaborate to draft mutually acceptable settlement terms, which are then presented to the court for review and approval.
In a collaborative divorce, you can resolve disputes regarding your divorce without going to court for hearings or a trial. The process gives you more control and is often far less time-consuming or combative than a traditional divorce. It is often less expensive and less stressful as well. The primary advantage is perhaps how efficient the process is, allowing you to move on with the rest of your life.
The spouses or partners commit to working together to reach a settlement on various issues, such as property disputes, alimony, or child custody. Your divorce attorneys will be able to give you advice about the legal process and ramifications associated with your decisions. You may also work with professionals during this process, such as:
- Child specialists
- Financial analysts
- Accountants
- Communication coaches
- Pension attorneys
- Mental health professionals
You can literally have a whole team working to get you back on your feet after the divorce. The entire team is dedicated to aligning with your goals and concerns, working together to help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible for both you and your family.
Collaborative divorce offers a more peaceful and cooperative approach to separation, focusing on open communication and mutual agreement. At McConnell Family Law Group, our Groton collaborative divorce lawyers can guide you through the process, ensuring that your interests are protected. We can help minimize conflict, save time and money, and provide a compassionate environment for all parties involved. Contact us to take the first step toward a peaceful resolution to your divorce today.
The Foundations of Collaborative Divorce
The entire collaborative divorce process is based on the fundamental notions of open communication and mutual respect. It is team-based. You can expect the professionals involved to utilize unique problem-solving techniques to find solutions that are acceptable to both spouses.
This process can be incredibly emotional, which is why the professionals involved in the collaborative divorce process will offer support as you need it. In addition, collaborative divorce always prioritizes the needs of any children involved in the process. Therefore, child specialists may be part of the team working on your divorce.
Key Differences Between Collaborative Divorce and Traditional Divorce
Collaborative divorce is relationship-focused. It is constructed around the understanding that your marriage was built on a relationship that likely worked at some point—you have a history. It also assumes that you may need to keep some of these relationships going into the future, such as with your ex-spouse to support your child.
In a collaborative divorce, you agree to work with professionals to create a solution that works for everyone in exchange for agreeing to stay out of the courtroom. You will make your own decisions instead of leaving it in the hands of a judge. You will likely still file your divorce paperwork as in a traditional divorce, but by the time you do that, everything will be discussed, debated, negotiated, and ironed out.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition of Collaborative Divorce | Resolving divorce disputes without court involvement. Offers control, is quicker, less costly, and less combative than traditional divorce, reducing stress. Efficient for moving forward. |
| Foundations of Collaborative Divorce | Built on open communication, mutual respect, and a team-based approach. Professionals use unique problem-solving to find mutually agreeable solutions. Emphasizes emotional support and prioritizes children’s needs with child specialists. |
| Key Differences Between Collaborative Divorce and Traditional Divorce | Focuses on preserving relationships from past successful moments. Couples work with professionals to create their solutions, avoiding court. They make decisions, and divorce paperwork is filed only after thorough discussion, negotiation, and resolution. |
Get the Help of an Experienced Connecticut Divorce Lawyer
If the collaborative divorce process seems like something that might fit your needs, learn more by contacting McConnell Family Law. We can help you get the process started.
