By: Mary Ellen Flynn, Esq.
While all divorce proceedings will come with some level of stress, emotional turpitude, and legal fees, the collaborative method of divorce can be a way to decrease all of those stressors. The collaborative divorce process may not be the right choice for everyone, but if you’re open to working together to achieve the best possible outcome for all parties, read on to learn more about some of the advantages a collaborative divorce affords you.
Save Money with Collaborative Divorce
While considerable legal fees are involved in any divorce proceeding, the collaborative approach allows divorcing couples to cut costs from the outset. In a traditional divorce, one party files a divorce complaint and summons, which then requires the party served to prepare an answer and counter-complaint. Additionally, as it relates to finances, a substantial amount of money is involved in a traditional divorce process – specifically, discovery, subpoenas, depositions, and expert witness fees. Furthermore, as each attorney may aim to leave no stone overturned, they may request a wealth of information that can drive up the production costs for each party.
In a collaborative divorce, the goal is to reach agreements collectively, and by participating in the collaborative method, the parties agree to exchange all relevant information voluntarily. Therefore, the parties reduce expenses, time, and stress by not having to wade through thousands of pages of irrelevant information, nor do they have to involve the court by filing motions to compel the production of certain documents.
Collaborative Divorce Gives Divorcing Couples More Control Over Their Future
In a traditional divorce, the parties cannot agree without the court’s intervention. Therefore, divorcing couples leave essential decisions such as child support, alimony, and property division in the hands of a third party, the Judge. In a traditional divorce, much of the decision-making power is removed from the divorcing couple.
In the collaborative approach, the parties and their attorneys meet together to discuss the goals of each spouse and together work to achieve a settlement on each matter. With this process, the parties have complete control in the decision-making and can directly impact the outcome. Therefore, there are no worries about being dealt an unfair hand by a third party. The collaborative method allows you and your spouse to control how each of your futures looks and to achieve satisfaction in resolving complex issues.
Collaborative Divorce Allows For An Amicable Dissolution of The Marriage
Due to the adversarial nature of a traditional divorce, each spouse may seek to retain an aggressive attorney. In return, instead of reaching goals that will benefit the common goal, each spouse will seek to place themselves first at the expense of the other. Thus, there is little chance that the divorcing couple will reach agreements and make mutually agreeable decisions.
With the collaborative method, each side brings their goals and interests into the discussion. Through meetings between the parties and their attorneys and other specialists, such as mental health professionals and child specialists, the parties will work together to answer important questions and find common ground. The collaborative method allows for a more favorable outcome for both parties and eliminates the “bitterness” that tends to linger after a “nasty” divorce. As the name implies, the collaborative approach allows for shared input without resorting to arguments and disputes among the parties. Two individuals walk away with a divorce decree that doesn’t lead to post-divorce issues.
Trust Andalman & Flynn As Your Divorce Lawyers in Maryland, D.C, and Virginia
Divorce is hard. It requires time, financial commitment, and emotional strength from the divorcing couple. Traditional divorces can lead to substantially more time, finances, and stress. However, a collaborative divorce can offer you a means to an end – with less stress, less financial strain, and more control over the outcome of your future. If you’re in the DMV area and are interested in learning more about the Collaborative Divorce process, contact one of our experienced divorce attorneys at Andalman & Flynn.
About Andalman & Flynn, P.C.: Founded in 1998 in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, Andalman & Flynn has forged a distinguished reputation for legal excellence. The Firm practices family law, estate planning, and probate throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia, and represents individuals seeking disability benefits throughout the country. The Firm focuses on cases that impact the rights of everyone and is there for clients when responsive legal help is most critical. The Firm has provided legal analysis on national and local television and radio, and its attorneys often testify before legislative bodies and are routinely invited to contribute to prominent legal publications. For more information about Andalman & Flynn, call 301-563-6685.