When couples decide to end their marriage, the prospect of going through divorce can seem unbearable. Demanding letters from solicitors, acrimonious courtroom scenes, battles over the custody of children; the image of the divorce process is hardly a favourable one.
A new approach to divorce has been developed over the past decade that is helping couples to divorce in a way that is far more amicable. Now recommended by some of the very best divorce solicitors Leeds has to offer, the collaborative approach to divorce is making great progress in reducing the stress of divorce whilst helping couples to protect their family relationships.
How does collaborative divorce vary from the traditional divorce process? The collaborative approach is unique because it is based upon the theory that when couples communicate directly, the outcomes that are reached are far more successful than those reached in court.
At the very start of the collaborative divorce process couples are asked to sign a participation agreement. This legally binding agreement is put in place to ensure that neither side will take divorce proceedings to court; should this happen the collaborative approach is terminated immediately.
Courtrooms are notoriously stressful places and many solicitors now understand that if couples are to resolve their differences quickly and amicably, it is best for them to steer clear of the courts where possible. Collaborative divorce is conduced almost entirely outside court and resolutions are reached in a series of face-to-face meetings.
The idea of direct communication is a vital element of the collaborative approach to divorce. Couples attend collaborative meetings with their respective solicitors who are on hand to offer legal and advice and information should it be necessary.
One of the biggest worries for divorcing couples is the traumatic effect that divorce is known to have on children. Collaborative divorce is proving to be very helpful in reducing the negative impact on children as their needs are placed at the centre of the issue.
During the collaborative divorce process couples are strongly encouraged to discuss child custody and childcare arrangements in a way that is as calm and constructive as possible. Couples are supported and guided through these sensitive discussions by their collaborative solicitor to help them arrive at positive, long-lasting resolutions that will protect the needs to the whole family.
Unfortunately divorce often proves to be extremely expensive for many couples. The collaborative approach has been designed to help couples avoid unforeseen costs once the divorce has been finalised by promoting the discussion and agreement of divorce fees at the very start of the process. This is the best way for couples to understand the cost of their divorce and to help them plan their finances accordingly.
Many of the legal practices specialising in collaborative divorce have developed clear, set-fee price plans. Collaborative solicitors understand that to further reduce the stress of divorce, it’s important that couples are able to understand their divorce fees to help them avoid unnecessary costs.
Collaborative divorce law is now being used by several legal firms based in Leeds; family law solicitors in the Leeds area are available to give couples further advice on whether the collaborative approach to divorce is right for their circumstances.
There are now several excellent Family Law Specialists Leeds wide. I recommend that you get in touch with them for more advice on how the collaborative approach to divorce can help you avoid unnecessary stress and worry, whilst protecting your needs and the needs of your family.