Divorce is a painful process often made worse by the willingness of many spouses to fight for every dollar. The worst part for many couples is how the process can damage children and relationships with extended family members.
Collaborative divorce aims to reduce conflict and provide a better experience for everyone involved. The process does not focus on “winning” as much as it does on agreeing that it leaves all parties feeling respected and satisfied with the arrangement. But not every other person is familiar with it. This article acts as a guide to collaborative divorce. Here are key things to do.
Work on Agreement Instead Of Litigating
Divorce is difficult enough to go through individually. But it’s even more complicated when the couple takes the path of litigation. A collaborative process focuses on agreements instead of litigating with each other. Meaning both parties work together to agree that they can be satisfied at the end of the process.
Unlike litigation, this process does not involve court appearances. Also, it doesn’t draw out battles over who gets what in the divorce settlement. Instead, it focuses on what is reasonable for both parties involved in the divorce settlement. This makes it a much more positive experience for everyone involved.
Uphold Open Communication
The process of separation and divorce is also an opportunity for growth, change, and healing. All of which can be achieved through open communication between people who are divorcing. Open communication can help uphold the collaborative divorce process by:
Providing the opportunity to openly discuss concerns that couples may have both during their marriage and after they’ve separated or divorced.
Creating an environment where people express themselves so that they feel safe talking about their emotions, feelings, thoughts, ideas, etc. -Helps maintain or restore trust between people who are separating or divorcing.
Work as a Team
Divorce is never easy. Whether it is an amicable, partially amicable, or hostile divorce, it’s hard to go through the process by yourself. The likelihood of making mistakes and taking more time than necessary increases when you don’t work as a team. It does not differ from any other type of divorce except that both parties are working together with a neutral third party (usually a lawyer) to make the process smoother and less stressful.
Embrace Collaborative Facilitator
Divorce can be confusing and emotionally draining. Having a facilitator to guide you through the process will make it that much easier. They help you figure out your goals and how to achieve them with the least amount of conflict possible. The goal is to find mutual grounds to create a plan that feels fair for both parties involved. The facilitator helps the couple navigate this hard time together, rather than alone.
Hire a Neutral Financial Expert
Collaborative divorce requires the help of a neutral financial expert who can help with the decisions and guide them through the divorce, explaining what the couples need to know and how it will affect them financially. It is an amicable and cooperative process where both parties work together to determine an outcome they can agree on and feel good about.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that both parents are equally important in the life of their children. The best way to go about it is by always prioritizing the needs of the children and consulting with a psychologist. If you think your spouse is not willing to cooperate, then seek help from a collaborative divorce in Boulder who can help with negotiations.