A collaborative divorce may save money over a litigated divorce, but they can still be costly from a monetary standpoint. However, the Collaborative Divorce’s value extends far beyond the financial cost. Here are the values and benefits of a Collaborative Divorce process to consider:
A divorce centered around the common values of their family. The clients decide what is important and the team works to formulate resolutions that fit those priorities.
A child focused divorce. The child specialist gives the children a voice, provides an appropriate assessment of their needs, and provides the children with support.
Preservation of relationships. A functional and healthy co-parenting relationship can be developed, fostered and preserved. The parent-child relationships can be preserved so that the children remain connected to both parents in a positive way. These relationships allow the children to see the parents as a “team” that is reliable, steady and present even if they live in two different homes.
Preservation of the Family Assets. The open sharing of financial information leads to sound financial decision making and a better ability to project future financial situations for the family such as buying a new home or retirement and college planning.
Better communication. Couples often do not communicate well when they are married and it can get worse during a divorce. In a collaborative divorce process the coaches help the parties learn to communicate in positive ways that suit their new roles as co-parents or divorcing partners.
A smoother transition. Many things change in divorce. Coaching support helps everyone establish new boundaries, manage difficult emotions, transition from married partners to co-parents, learn to parent by agreement and through disagreement, and findnew ways to engage with each other to meet parenting needs while maintaining independent lives. Clients can practice these new skills in real time, with a supportive team.
The right professional for the right task. Having financials deal with finances and coaches deal with difficult emotional and parenting issues while the lawyers take care of the legal issues, means the clients get better value for their dollars. Everyone does what they do best.
A team. The professional team serves as a role model to the family as they work together to serve the family and their needs. The team can help the clients see each other as human. The team is committed to the collaborative process and the same standards of better communication that we ask of our clients.
Less stress. Divorce is hard enough, keeping families out of court and in a collaborative and cooperative process makes it a bit easier on everyone.
Professional Standards. The team is committed to the same professional expectations that we ask our clients to adhere to, avoiding strategic approaches, a commitment to brainstorming, collaboration and seeking solutions that meet both individual’s needs.
These TIPs were prepared by the Practice Excellence Committee of CP Cal
For more information about this organization go to: CPCal.com