When you go into divorce proceedings expecting a messy battle, that is likely exactly what you will get. People filing for divorce can become their own worst enemies when they establish unrealistic expectations, demand extreme concessions and turn their divorce into a messy battle with their ex.
On the other hand, you can use your divorce as a springboard to a much better future by trying to handle it with as much grace as possible. Collaborative divorce can be an effective solution for couples who want to call it quits but don’t want to empty their savings account fighting over all of the details. When might collaborative divorce work for you?
When you and your ex can still communicate effectively
Some couples can sit down and discuss how they want to divide their property and share parental responsibilities. If you can communicate effectively and calmly, you might be able to establish the framework of a collaborative divorce agreement with very little support.
When you make a low-cost divorce your top priority
Some couples reach the point where they just want to be done with their marriage as quickly and cheaply as possible. Even if you don’t want to talk to one another, a collaborative divorce might still work. Your attorneys can negotiate the terms of a settlement that is reasonable and appropriate given your circumstances and the likely outcome of litigated divorce proceedings.
If each spouse can be realistic in their expectations, then it may not be just appropriate but beneficial for them to consider collaborative divorce as an effective and affordable means of ending their marriage.