In the contemporary world, couples preparing to end a marriage have alternatives to traditional courtroom divorces. Effective litigation alternatives include arbitration, mediation and collaborative law. In this blog post, we will talk about collaborative law, and when it might not be the best choice.
What is a collaborative law divorce?
This method of ending a marriage is conducted entirely out of the court and provides each spouse with a safe environment in which to negotiate the details of their split. It is highly effective in many cases, allowing the spouses to discuss the terms of their divorce to resolve any disagreements. Professionals like child development experts and financial planners may also participate in the process.
While many couples fare well in a collaborative law divorce, there are situations when the process might not work or might not be necessary. Examples include:
- If you and your spouse communicate effectively and civilly, an uncontested divorce is faster and more affordable.
- On the other hand, if communication is impossible or if one spouse bullies the other, a litigated court may yield better results.
- If there exists a chance that collaborative law will fail, you will have to hire a new attorney and start your divorce all over again.
- In divorces where there exists a possibility that one spouse is hiding assets or secrets from the other, a litigated divorce could be the right option.
Getting a divorce is never easy. However, experienced guidance from a lawyer allows you to explore all the litigation alternatives available before you take a definitive step in any direction. If you wish to learn more about divorce and litigation alternatives in the state of Washington, continue reviewing our website and our family law blog.
