More and more divorcing couples are opting for collaborative rather than litigated divorce thanks to its various benefits. Basically, a collaborative or a no-contest divorce happens when the couple agrees on the various aspects of the divorce such as property division, child support and property division, thus eliminating the need for a court battle.
However, for a collaborative divorce to work, both parties must agree to certain ground rules. Here are three vital tips that can help you dissolve your marriage without necessarily going through the costly and time-consuming court process.
Do not walk alone
Even if you and your spouse seem to be on the same page on pretty much every aspect of your divorce, do keep in mind that a collaborative divorce is still a divorce. You may be clear on how the marital assets will be divided. But what about the debts? Is your spouse offering fair child and spousal support amounts? To avoid unpleasant surprises down the road, you are better off working with a legal counsel and/or a professional divorce mediator from the onset.
Have it all in writing
You may come to the decision to amicably end your marriage. But are sure your spouse is coming to the mediation table with pure intentions? Any agreement arrived at while mediating the terms of your collaborative divorce will only be enforced if it was written and signed by both parties. This is not just a matter of trust; it is a legal matter and you should handle it as such.
Leave no stone unturned
The importance of addressing pretty much everything cannot be overemphasized. If a contested issue arises when you bring your final divorce settlement to the court for ratification, then the entire agreement can be thrown out.
A no-contest divorce offers a variety of benefits. Find out how you can protect your rights and interests while going through a collaborative divorce.