5 Key Differences Between Collaborative And Litigated Divorce
Even the most amicable divorces have potentially contentious issues, such as child custody and division of marital assets and debts. Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution process that allows you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys to work as a team to resolve them instead of confronting each other in court.
In this blog, we are highlighting our New Haven office, which is one of our five convenient locations. At McConnell Family Law Group, our team of New Haven collaborative divorce lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate and efficient legal support during this challenging time. Collaborative law offers a unique approach to divorce resolution, emphasizing cooperation and open communication.
Below are five key differences between collaborative and traditionally litigated divorce. While there are occasions when litigation is the recommended option, collaborative divorce represents certain advantages for couples who are willing to work together to create their own divorce settlement.
Contact our New Haven office today at (203) 344-7762 to schedule a consultation.
5 Key Differences
- More privacy. The court process becomes a matter of public record, and both hearings and trials are conducted in open court. Collaborative sessions are confidential, enabling you and your spouse to keep your personal and financial information private.
- Easier on the children. Collaborative divorce is non-adversarial, so your children do not have to be subjected to their parents fighting. Collaborative teams also frequently include child specialists who can act as a compassionate sounding board for the concerns and feelings of the kids.
- More control over the outcome. The collaborative law process gives you more control over the outcome of the divorce proceeding. Instead of having a judge make the decisions that impact your future and that of your family, you can play an active role in your own divorce and arrive at a fair, compromise-driven settlement.
- Increases the likelihood of a future amicable relationship. With collaborative divorce, you are more likely to maintain a positive relationship with your former spouse afterward. This is especially important when there are children involved, as you will both be able to cooperate and assume a shared parenting role more easily.
- Quicker divorce resolution. In general, collaborative divorces are concluded more quickly than traditional ones because you and your spouse do not have to rely on an often-packed court schedule. You choose the time and place, which makes it easier to reach a settlement faster.
| 5 Key Differences Between Collaborative And Litigated Divorce | Description |
|---|---|
| More privacy | Collaborative sessions are confidential, keeping personal and financial information private, while traditional litigated divorces become a matter of public record with open court hearings and trials. |
| Easier on the children | Collaborative divorce is non-adversarial, sparing children from their parents’ fighting, often involving child specialists to address their concerns and feelings with compassion. |
| More control over the outcome | Collaborative law process provides spouses with more control over the divorce outcome, enabling active participation in creating a fair, compromise-driven settlement instead of relying on a judge. |
| Increases likelihood of amicable relationship | Collaborative divorce fosters a higher chance of maintaining a positive post-divorce relationship, facilitating effective co-parenting, especially crucial when children are involved. |
| Quicker divorce resolution | Collaborative divorces are generally faster due to flexible scheduling, unlike traditional ones relying on congested court schedules. |
If you and your spouse find that you can’t reach an agreement collaboratively and decide that certain matters can only be resolved via litigation, then your respective attorneys and any support experts that may have been retained, such as financial planners and divorce coaches, must all withdraw from your case. You will have to engage new legal counsel to support you in the courtroom.
Collaborative law is growing in popularity among divorcing couples who want to keep their personal and financial information private and are willing to work together on matters such as child custody and support, alimony, and property distribution. It also helps you and your spouse maintain a positive relationship during and after the divorce, which is a positive outcome for everyone involved.
Attorneys from the McConnell Family Law Group practice throughout Connecticut. If you would like more information about collaborative divorce, contact us at (203) 344-7762 to schedule your appointment today.
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