Ending Your Marriage? How Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce Might Help

Paper torn between “Court” and “Mediation” File Name: divorce-court-vs-mediation.jpg Alt Tag: Visual comparison between traditional divorce court and mediation as alternative dispute resolution options

Divorcing couples are increasingly turning to Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce to avoid the stress and cost of litigation.

Three Proven Ways to End a Marriage Without Going to Court

Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorceMost people expect a divorce to be like a courtroom drama movie with intense arguments and conflict in front of a judge. Many people are opting to remove this drama and amicably settle divorces outside of the courtroom.

There are three main types of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to resolve disputes without the traditional litigation battles. They are mediation, collaborative divorce and the hybrid approach (a combination of both). Each ADR method has its own strengths. The right one for you depends on your situation, your goals, and your relationship with your spouse. Each method of Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce offers unique benefits depending on your needs.

MEDIATION:

What is Mediation in Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Mediation is utilizing a neutral third party (a Mediator) to help communicate, identify issues, and reach agreements. The Mediator will not make any decisions or take sides but facilitates and fosters productive conversations. Private mediations will be less formal and completely private rather than typical litigation, there is no public information, and the … Read More... “Ending Your Marriage? How Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce Might Help”

If You are Ending Your Marriage and have Children, why a Collaborative Divorce Might Be the Best Route to Go!

Parents discussing a collaborative divorce with children in mind

If you are ending your marriage and have children, a collaborative divorce with children may be the best way to minimize stress and conflict

Parents discussing a collaborative divorce with children in mind.Terminating a marriage is always difficult from many perspectives. The typical notion of “winning” the battle deserves reflection. What is the real end goal? Is it to end up with more of the assets? Is it, paying less spousal support or child support? Or is it to arrive at a “fair” result while trying your best to maintain healthy relationships on your family members while reducing emotional stress all around? “Uncoupling” is never easy. Research shows that it can be especially difficult for children. This is why many parents are turning to a collaborative divorce with children, as it prioritizes their well-being while minimizing conflict.

As a result of my 40+ years of practicing divorce litigation, I would submit that utilizing a more collaborative approach to unwinding a marriage can greatly improve the emotional health of the parties, especially when kids are involved.

Strips Away Control

A more traditional divorce proceeding, involving litigation and the ensuing battles inherent in that process, strips control away from both parties. In the adversarial nature of Court divorces, you lose … Read More... “If You are Ending Your Marriage and have Children, why a Collaborative Divorce Might Be the Best Route to Go!”

Better Understanding Collaborative Divorce and the Role Certified Divorce Financial Analysts® Can Play

collaborative divorce certified divorce financial analyst

How Collaborative Divorce and Certified Divorce Financial Analysts Can Simplify Your Divorce Process

Collaborative divorce and Certified Divorce Financial AnalystsEnding a marriage is never easy. The emotional weight, the shared history, and the life that was once built together can make the process seem like an insurmountable challenge. While divorce is commonly associated with conflict and court battles, many couples are turning to collaborative divorce and Certified Divorce Financial Analysts to navigate the process more amicably. In fact, there are more amicable ways to end a marriage – ways that can protect both parties, especially when children are involved. One such approach is called “collaborative divorce”. This is a process where both spouses work together, along with their respective attorneys and other professionals, to resolve divorce-related issues outside of court.

The goal is to reach a mutually agreeable settlement through open communication, cooperation, and negotiation, rather than through litigation. In collaborative divorce, each party agrees to act in good faith and share information transparently, with a focus on finding solutions that meet everyone’s needs, finances, and future planning. This approach can help preserve relationships and reduce the emotional and financial costs typically associated with a traditional courtroom divorce.

How Certified Divorce Financial Analysts Support Collaborative Divorce

… Read More... “Better Understanding Collaborative Divorce and the Role Certified Divorce Financial Analysts® Can Play”