Collaborative Divorce
Hotly contested divorces can be emotionally and financially devastating to the parties, their children and the overall family unit.
Not all divorces need to be hotly contested. Indeed, under certain circumstances, the parties may simply agree that that divorce is their best option, and further agree that the best approach to dissolve their marriage, and resolve the economic and/or child custody and support issues, is through a less contentious process of negotiation and compromise through various mechanisms.
In a Collaborative Divorce, the two parties, along with their respective divorce lawyers, undertake informal proceedings outside of the courtroom aimed to achieve the goal of resolution without unnecessary litigation, and without punishing the other party. Each party is represented by attorneys committed to settling the case using negotiating strategies without resorting to confrontational court proceedings. All four parties – each spouse along with his or her attorney – attend meetings that are informal and proceed at their own pace.
While the Collaborative Process is not right for every divorce case, it is less costly and faster than using the court system. It is far less anxiety provoking and often meets the needs of both parties more effectively than court intervention. When children are involved, this process can set an encouraging tone that provides for future positive negotiations and co-parenting. This method is far less stressful and saves a great deal of time and money.
In summary, though a Collaborative Divorce may not be right for every case, the benefits include:
- The two parties are able to negotiate without the confrontational aspect of formal court proceedings.
- The pace of the proceedings may be decided and agreed upon by the parties involved rather than be dictated by the Court.
- The Collaborative Divorce is less costly and faster than using the court system.
- The informality of Collaborative Divorce can be far less anxiety provoking than a courtroom divorce.
- When there are children involved, Collaborative Divorce can set the tone for future cooperation and compromise in regards to co-parenting.
- The ability to proceed in a private forum, as opposed to a public courtroom where the generable public will hear the personal family issues, including finances and other private matters.
McIntosh Lawyers, PC represents litigants in Collaborative Divorces if and when the client desires to employ this strategy and if the circumstances serve the client’s best interest. As with all litigation, the ultimate decision to engage in a Collaborative Process is that of the client, but clients of McIntosh Lawyers, PC have the benefit of making thought-out, informed decisions after careful consultation with a skilled Pennsylvania lawyer who has decades of divorce litigation experience in Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties.