The American Institute of Stress lists divorce as the second-highest stressor that people face. Naturally, couples facing this crossroads look for ways to streamline and improve the process.
One option people may overlook is collaborative divorce. They might fear that such proceedings could leave a person open to manipulation or exploitation. However, collaborative divorce could be preferable to fighting over details in court for many reasons.
Reduced conflict and stress
Collaborative divorce emphasizes open communication and cooperation. By working together, spouses can often find mutually beneficial solutions. This approach also helps create a more amicable environment during the divorce process with less stress.
Furthermore, couples can use mediation to keep aspects of their personal and business matters out of the public record. Knowing that specific details are private can also help decrease anxiety.
Empowerment and decision-making ability
In a collaborative divorce, both spouses actively participate in discussions and decision-making. This collaborative approach empowers individuals to have more control over the outcomes. Otherwise, the court may have more of a say in what happens.
As a result, couples can tailor personalized solutions that meet the unique needs of the family. In turn, the family may enjoy more satisfactory and sustainable agreements.
Cost-effectiveness and efficiency
Traditional litigation can be time-consuming and costly due to court fees and other expenses. Collaborative divorce often proves to be more cost-effective as it involves fewer court appearances and a streamlined process.
Preservation of relationships
Collaborative divorce can allow couples with children to maintain a more positive and cooperative relationship, which facilitates effective co-parenting. A respectful environment could minimize the impact of the divorce on their children and mitigate resentment.
Collaborative divorce can result in a more amicable, cost-effective and empowering process for both parties. Couples who are divorcing should consider whether this is an optimal alternative to traditional litigation.