Inside the Collaborative Divorce Movement

Understanding Mediation and Collaborative Divorce

Did you know the state of Arizona’s first choice for dissolving a marriage is mediation? Divorce plans here suggest collaborative divorce as the best option—and for good reason.

If a couple can talk about their differences, then they’re less likely to find themselves in a courtroom fighting each other through attorneys.

Many attorneys have taken the idea of a “friendlier” divorce one step further, choosing to advocate for a more collaborative approach. Let’s explore why family and divorce attorneys are making the switch and what it means for the future of divorce.

The Pain of Litigation

Marriages fail for many reasons, and it can be challenging to transition to this new phase of your relationship without some hard feelings. In litigation divorce the feelings of pain, remorse, anger, and regret are magnified by a thousand.

What happens in the courtroom does not stay in the courtroom. Angry exes become angry parents. These are the parents who scorn each other in front of their children, pointing fingers and laying blame.

In essence, it creates what would be called a “hostile work environment” in a business setting.

You know there’s an emotional cost associated with litigation divorce, but there’s also a steep financial cost. Attorneys are not cheap, and you could be paying $250 to $500 an hour for yours.

All the time they spend preparing the case, filing paperwork, talking with you, and sitting in court adds up. Then you have to multiply that number by two since there are two of you included in this case, and you each need to have your own attorney.

Are you the primary breadwinner? If so, you might have to pay for both attorneys yourself. Talk about expensive!

Why Collaborative Divorce Is Gaining Momentum

Divorce attorneys don’t like the mudslinging anymore than you do, and that’s one main reason they’re leaning toward a more collaborative dissolution of marriage.

Instead of being in the business of breaking marriages, these forward-thinking family-law professionals are now in the business of creating a brighter future for couples and families.

With a collaborative divorce, there’s no black hole of attorneys’ fees, which appeals to many professionals. They prefer being able to provide value, as opposed to a hefty bill.

Also, a collaborative environment encourages couples and families to work together.

Some attorneys who get a taste of the collaborative process are reticent to return to the courtroom. They are heartbroken by the fact a judge who knows nothing about their client’s family dynamics can make decisions about what’s in the best interest of the children in a matter of minutes.

Collaborative Divorce: the Best Option for Your Family

Unless you really enjoy fighting, there’s no good reason to choose a litigation divorce. It’s time consuming, heartbreaking, and expensive. With a collaborative divorce, on the other hand, you value your family and the relationships you’ve built.

You work as a unit to determine how the future will look for you. With the support of attorneys, mediators, financial advisors, and counselors to ensure you all make it through this transition whole and happy.

Divorce is never an easy choice, but with a collaborative divorce, it can be a whole lot more bearable.