What Is Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative divorce is an alternative dispute resolution process that relies on the peaceful teamwork of a divorcing couple, their collaborative divorce attorneys and other professionals to resolve all of the issues of the divorce and come to an effective resolution.

Unlike court-litigated divorces, collaborative divorce is a peaceful alternative. More couples are turning to this method instead of allowing the end of their marriage to turn into a fight. If you and your spouse are willing to working together, the collaborative process might be the best step for you.

In collaborative divorce, couples and their collaborative attorneys agree to work together to resolve all issues of the divorce, including child custody, child support, spousal support and property division questions. Through this process your attorney and other professionals can manage the difficult conversations required to work through every issues to come to a lasting resolution.

The collaborative method as an interdisciplinary approach, brings in professionals such as financial planners — who act as a financial neutral party — to help deal with the financial aspects of the divorce, and a divorce coach or mental health professional who assists in reducing stress and improving the efficiency of communication between spouses. Being able to understands each of your needs is important in this process.

But best of all, through collaborative divorce, you are able to keep the decision-making power in your own hands instead of ceding that power to a judge. Going through a divorce oftentimes feels like your lives are spinning out of control, but the collaborative method gives you a degree of control over the divorce process and the final outcome. After all, you and your spouse know each other better than anyone else, and being able to make the best decisions for each other and for your children is important.

I have practiced law for over 40 years and have the good that comes from the collaborative divorce method. If you are in the Kansas City are and believe the collaborative process would be beneficial to you and your family, contact me, Hugh O’Donnell, today to schedule a consultation, or feel free to call me at 816-533-5152 with any questions regarding your divorce.