Often times couples struggle with the decision of whether to get a divorce. There can be compelling arguments both for and against it. However, once the decision is made to divorce, couples often skip over the next important question – how to divorce. Divorcing couples have options. One of those options is a collaborative divorce. Unlike the stereotypical knock down drag out fight that takes years, fighting over every fine linen and each hour of parenting time, a collaborative divorce involves the parties agreeing to work together to resolve the issues pertaining to the divorce.
There are many benefits to a collaborative divorce. In this article, Zachary Smith, family law attorney in Cincinnati, OH, discusses just a few of the benefits.
Collaborative Divorces Often Resolve More Quickly
On average, collaborative divorce takes between 50 and 70 percent less time than a traditional divorce. There are a couple of reasons for this. In a collaborative divorce, for example, the couple jointly provides all the essential documents and information. Contrast this with a traditional divorce, where the lawyers could spend months fighting over discovery issues. Additionally, in a traditional divorce, the parties each hire their own expert to argue the other side is wrong. In collaborative divorce, the parties hire a single, neutral expert. Finally, in a collaborative divorce, the parties do not have to wait until the judge has time before they can meet and discuss issues.
Collaborative Divorces are Less Costly
Divorce attorneys are typically paid by the hour. In a collaborative divorce, the parties are specifically paying their attorneys to come to a resolution about these issues. This takes less time, and therefore costs less money. Additionally, as discussed above, collaborative divorce lawyers hire experts to work on the team, seeking a resolution, rather than fight against each other.
Collaborative Divorces are Private
Collaborative divorce work is done in an attorney’s office. Couples have the opportunity to discuss past events and future plans in the safety of the meeting. Traditional divorce, on the other hand, results in discussions on the record in open court. In court, a record is made of everything that is said, and this record is available to the public.
Cincinnati, OH family law attorney Zachary D. Smith, serves on the Executive Committee of the Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Professionals. He is well versed in collaborative law, which allows for creative problem solving. Contact ZDS Law todayto schedule a consultation at (513) 275-1164 to determine if collaborative divorce is the best option for you or for further information please visit www.ZDSLaw.com.