Is Collaborative Divorce Right For My Family?

The collaborative divorce method uses well-known techniques to conquer the many challenges that families face when doing through the divorce process.  Decision-making power gives a family a sense of control when their lives seem out of control, so when utilizing these techniques, the decision-making power stays within the family instead of with the court.

When families with children are involved, the collaborative divorce method helps parents to work together for the benefit of all involved.  This shows children that while their parents may no longer be spouses to each other, they will always be parents to their children.

Other benefits of this process are the reduction of stress and animosity towards other parties involved, utilization of effective communication skills to improve communication between all parties, establishing a healthy co-parenting relationship as  the focus shifts to meeting everyone’s needs instead of a win/lose model, and ultimately protecting the privacy of all parties involved by avoiding public records of intimate life details when recorded by the court system.

In the collaborative divorce process, each spouse secures legal representation to reach an amicable settlement resolving all issues of the divorce such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division.  In some cases a mental health professional and/or financial planner are brought into to help with the mental and emotional well-being aspect of the divorce, and reduce the overall costs.

With over 40 years of family law and mediation experience, Hugh O’Donnell has seen firsthand how challenging the divorce process can be.  Often people are emotionally overwhelmed at a time when they should be thinking clearly and making sound decisions to shape the future for years to come.   Hugh introduced the benefits of the collaborative divorce process into Kansas City, Missouri in 2001.

If you are currently seeking a more peaceful divorce alternative to the traditional court experience, then Hugh O’Donnell can help you through the collaborative divorce method.  Contact him to day, or call (816) 533-5152 to set up a consultation to see if collaborative divorce is right for your family.