Divorce can bring a range of emotions from anger and resentment to hope and relief. Missouri’s divorce procedure resembles a lawsuit, making the negative emotions worse. But conflicts are expected to arise in divorce. Couples with strong religious beliefs against divorce should seek legal separation help from an attorney. If both spouses agree to keep things civil, they can have a collaborative divorce.
What to Know About Collaborative Divorce
When both parties in divorce depend on a family court to help them resolve their dispute, this process can be like any other lawsuit. This process involves filing a divorce petition and having the respondent served with the process. Depending on the response of the other spouse, settlement negotiation can set in, or attorneys fight the settlement out in court. Such a procedure can result in unnecessary conflict. Collaborative law encourages amicable divorce.
In collaborative divorce, the spouses work collaboratively with experts to reach a settlement that resolves divorce-related issues and helps them prepare for the future. Usually, divorce doesn’t end a relationship but transforms it into something new. This is particularly the case if the couple has kids. After divorce, the spouses can continue to be co-parents of their children.
Every spouse in a collaborative divorce has a lawyer. Also, they can work with other experts such as financial experts to help them divide their property and a mental health expert to guide them through the process. Other professionals that can be added to the collaborative divorce team include a parenting coach who can help the couple make a custody and visitation plan.
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce
Spouses who are willing to work collaboratively during their divorce have control over the divorce process. Each of them can set hearings and request evidence. The other party should comply or object to requests in court. Scheduling hearings depends on the availability of the court.
Collaborative law lets divorcing spouses retain control over the entire process. They decide when to meet. They can reschedule or postpone meetings without court permission.
In addition, collaborative divorce allows couples to save money and time. The duration of the divorce depends on the schedules of all parties involved. Also, the costs can be lower and easier to expect than the cost of litigation.
The majority of divorce hearings take place in open court and court filings become public records. Collaborative divorce allows things to occur behind closed doors. The court only has access to the settlement agreement reached by the parties and the divorce decree.
