A litigated divorce involves facing off with your spouse in front of a judge who will determine how everything will go. It can be a lengthy and complicated affair, given the backlog of cases in court, coupled with the fact that you do not have much control over the situation.
Fortunately, it’s not the only way of settling a divorce. There are other ways that do not involve pitting you against your spouse. If you can agree on a less adversarial approach, you can save yourselves a lot of trouble.
How a collaborative divorce can help
A collaborative divorce can help you avoid the troubles of a court battle and a contest with your spouse while helping you achieve similar objectives. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, from the spouses themselves to their children and close friends or extended family. Here is what you should expect..
First, you and your spouse must cooperate and be open to compromise during negotiations. A collaborative divorce involves understanding your spouse’s viewpoint, not taking hardline stances and making trade-offs when necessary.
The most contentious aspects generally involve finances and the children. Your legal teams will help negotiate and arrive at an amicable middle ground where all the parties are content. Sometimes, a trained mediator may be brought in to help you and your spouse reach a settlement.
Do not take the hard way
If you are thinking of divorce or have already begun preparation, going to court should only be a measure of last resort when all else has failed. However, it is equally advisable to understand how everything works in an uncontested divorce and what you should do to safeguard your interests. It will help ensure you end up with what you deserve when all is said and done.