Collaborative divorce is increasingly used by couples who feel that they can work together to come to an agreement about how to divide assets, what kind of child custody arrangement they will have and agree to any support payments. Collaborative divorce takes the court out of the equation, which can result in reduced legal expenses.
How Much Does Collaborative Divorce Cost?
Most attorneys will provide you an hourly rate at the outset of the case, and the amount of time they usually spend on a case like yours so that you can assess fees. Attorney fees vary according to jurisdiction, so the best way to find out your potential costs is to talk with an attorney and ask for a fee agreement.
Every case is different. Your issues can be simple or complicated. If you do not have a lot of issues to agree upon, it can be very simple. If you have lots of issues to resolve and you or your spouse have difficulty reaching an agreement on such issues, it can be complicated and time consuming. Divorce can be emotionally charged for many couples, but some couples handle it smoothly and swiftly. So, the amount of your collaborative divorce expenses will depend on how difficult your divorce is.
Collaborative divorce does tend to be consistently efficient and less expensive than going through the litigation process. Litigation is generally an expensive way to deal with disputes. It also takes the case out of the hands of the parties in dispute. This can be good if you have difficulty agreeing on issues, or it can be bad if you want more input in the outcome of your case. The bottom line is that if you and your spouse are reasonable and respectful toward each other, collaborative divorce is a good way to resolve your case and start a better future. The proceedings will emphasize effective communication and respect. Your attorney will take on rolls as educator, adviser and facilitator in the collaborative process. You can expect a quick and less expensive resolution to your divorce if you and your spouse are cooperative.
Getting Legal Help
If you are trying to decide the best way to handle your pending divorce, contact a family law attorney who specializes in collaborative practice to learn more about how the process works. A collaborative attorney can help you by educating you about your divorce options.
