If you are contemplating divorce, there are many divorce process options to consider that may work best for you and your family. Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged experience that many individuals face in their lives. No one meets, falls in love, marries, and then plans on divorce. However, should this be your new reality, it is essential to understand that you have multiple divorce process options to choose from.
Take into consideration the various issues involved in your divorce. This will allow you to make sense of your situation and enable you to move forward with clarity. Identifying your interests and prioritizing the most critical outcomes make deciding between your divorce process options more straightforward.
Divorce Process Options:
- -Litigation, also called Contested Divorce, is often the traditional and default method for divorce. It involves each spouse hiring an attorney to represent their interests in court. Contested Divorce is adversarial, with the parties presenting their cases to a judge who ultimately decides the outcome.
- Divorce Mediation offers an alternative to the courtroom battles of litigation. In this process, a neutral third party, the mediator, helps facilitate communication and negotiation between the divorcing spouses. Mediation encourages cooperation and aims to find mutually agreeable solutions.
- Collaborative Divorce involves a team approach, where each spouse has an attorney, and all parties commit to resolving the divorce outside of court.
- Do- It-Yourself Divorce is for couples with relatively simple divorces and minimal assets. DIY divorce involves navigating the legal process without professional legal representation. It typically requires the parties to complete and file the necessary paperwork themselves.
Out of all the divorce process options listed, collaborative divorce is a relatively new and increasingly popular option. Collaborative divorce emphasizes open communication, cooperation, and a focus on the best interests of any children involved. The spouses and their attorneys work together to reach a settlement agreement in a series of meetings. Collaborative divorce can be less adversarial, more efficient, and provide a more holistic approach to problem-solving. Additional professionals including financial advisors and therapists are a team member to address specific needs. This is the less stressful, costly option for couples seeking a more peaceful transition into life without each other.
Collaborative Practice Kansas City is a network of divorce attorneys, financial analysts, and mental health professionals committed to helping you find the best divorce process options for your situation. If you live within the KC metro area, contact us at 913-380-256 to schedule your consultation!
