When a marriage ends, it is difficult for the entire family. A heated court dispute only makes an emotionally painful situation worse. There are certainly situations when litigation is the most appropriate avenue to resolve an issue. However, when a family is involved, it is often not the best path to resolution. The collaborative process offers families a less adversarial approach to divorce and changing the family unit.
Traditional litigation can be the enemy of a lasting relationship between parents. There are many issues to resolve in divorce. The courtroom can resolve cut and dry issues, like dividing assets, but it cannot take into account the emotional aspect of divorce and the need to preserve a collegial relationship that is the cornerstone of many families.
Collaborative divorce resolves all the same issues that are covered through litigation, such as child support, spousal support, child custody, parenting schedules and property division. However, the approach is very different. Matters are not resolved by opponents drawing battle lines and fighting tooth and nail to declare a winner. Instead all parties work together to reach a mutually agreed upon solution. This can be particularly important when there are children involved.
A gentler way to resolve your custody issues
Parents know their children better than any third-party ever could. An attorney or judge can help reach an agreement based on the facts, but when parents come to an agreement together it can be customized to the family situation and children's specific needs. Some of the ways the collaborative approach can benefit children include, by:
- Creating a healthy post-divorce co-parent relationship.
- Providing children with a safe, private environment while recreating the family relationship.
- Supporting the overall goal to reach an agreement with the children's best interests at heart, while supporting them and providing stability.
- Setting the stage for parents to work together amicably and respectfully in the future.
When parents voluntarily work together, they can control the process, the agreement and their children's future. Children also see how their parents behave during the collaborative divorce process. Divorce is incredibly difficult and stressful for children, seeing how their parents treat each other during this time has a big impact on how the kids cope with the divorce. The difference can between peacefully restructuring a family to trying to make it through a combat zone.
Attorneys trained in collaborative law are involved to ensure it is a process focused on cooperation and mutual respect. Each attorney is present to look out for his or her client's best interests while supporting the goal of preserving the family relationship for the future. Kvale Antonelli & Raj is a firm uniquely trained and experienced in collaborative divorce. Our attorney's believe in the benefits of the collaborative process and how important it is to foster healthy parenting relationships. Call 216-861-2222 and schedule a consultation to answer your questions and help you determine if collaborative divorce is the right option for your family.
