People often equate divorce with heated emotions and long court battles. While this is the case for some divorcing couples, you and your spouse may be sincere in wanting to avoid an acrimonious breakup in court.
The good news is that the team-focused approach of collaborative divorce could be the answer. A collaborative approach may reduce the possibility that you and your spouse will get into protracted fights over how to end your marriage.
What makes up a collaborative divorce team?
As Psychology Today explains, you and your spouse are part of the team along with your respective attorneys. If you undergo mediation, you will have a mediator working with you. A mediator is someone who facilitates talks between you and your spouse while remaining neutral.
It is possible you will not understand key issues or you want psychological help to get through the divorce. You may add different professionals to your team for guidance and support.
How can a divorce team help you?
A courtroom setting creates an adversarial environment that could motivate you to fight your spouse to get the most out of your divorce settlement. By contrast, a team-based approach encourages spouses to work out their differences and seek compromise. You and your spouse may also benefit from the expertise of the professionals you work with.
Divorce can foster feelings of isolation. In a divorce trial, each spouse may feel the other is an enemy. A collaborative approach involves you meeting with your spouse and other professionals on a regular basis, which should help you feel that other people understand your problems.
Is collaborative divorce always the same?
Alternative approaches to divorce can vary. Some spouses use arbitration while others negotiate their issues without a mediator. Even if you embrace a team approach to your divorce, you may need specific professionals to help you. Consider your options in light of your emotional state and your goals for the future.
