Understanding Collaborative Divorce in Morehead City
Collaborative divorce is a method of divorcing that works as an alternative to traditional courtroom proceedings by encouraging working together to reach a positive conclusion instead of confrontation and animosity. A collaborative divorce allows a couple to end their marriage with mutual grace and poise while also ensuring that there is an inherent level of regard for one another and truthfulness throughout the divorce process. Having a Morehead City divorce lawyer to guide you helps keep the process smooth and focused on an agreed upon end result.
Working with a Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Traditional divorce is adversarial at its core and often turns two people into enemies rather than both parties working towards a mutually beneficial goal. While the actual process of a collaborative divorce isn’t entirely different from a traditional divorce, rather than focusing on litigation, both parties, with their divorce lawyers, work out an agreement outside of a courtroom.
First, the spouses will meet with their respective divorce attorneys in Carteret County and discuss the option of collaborative divorce. The attorneys will explain the process, what it entails, and the rights of their clients, reinforcing the fact that if an agreement can’t be achieved amicably, the process ends and will begin as a traditional divorce with potential litigation.
During the proceedings, the spouses, with their attorneys, meet to create solutions that are accommodating to all involved. If necessary, a separation agreement can be drawn up first, especially if there is a waiting period of the couple living separately that needs to be fulfilled.
Collaborative Divorce Videos
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce
There are several benefits to resolving a marriage through collaborative divorce.
- Less Expensive: Avoiding the process of adversarial divorce means you can avoid court costs and lower your attorney fees.
- Saving Time: A standard divorce requires scheduled court dates and more involved, protracted proceedings. This is not only more expensive, but it’s time-consuming. A collaborative divorce can be completed in about 1/4 of the time of a traditional divorce.
- Less Stress: While divorce is never easy, having a divorce lawyer who understands how to act as a mediator in a collaborative divorce prevents the experience from becoming bitter and unpleasant. Instead, a collaborative divorce is not only more friendly and dignified, both parties experience a more equitable division of assets.
- Making Your Own Decisions: Instead of leaving the final say to a judge, both parties with their divorce lawyers negotiate the best outcome. There’s more flexibility and an improved overall outcome for both parties.
” Discourage Litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.”
Protecting Your Future with a Collaborative Divorce Attorney
During your collaborative divorce, you still have the same rights as you would during a traditional divorce. However, instead of a judge determining the “who gets what” aspects of property distribution or settling issues of spousal support, child custody, and dividing up retirement accounts, the two parties decide together with help from their divorce lawyers. However, we also work with unbiased professionals to help achieve the best possible outcome, including:
Child Specialists: A child psychologist or specialist can meet with the children to provide a voice for them during the proceedings and bring issues to light that will allow both parties to more effectively parent and provide a better future for the kids.
Financial Planners: When property is divided, including bank accounts and retirement accounts, a financial planner can help both parties divide their assets and liabilities equitably and even provide a look at tax concerns in the future.
Real Estate Agents: If there is joint property, rental property, or other real estate, a real estate agent can help determine the value of the portfolio and provide unbiased advice.
Is a Collaborative Family Law Attorney Right for You?
With the help of an experienced divorce attorney in Morehead City, collaborative divorce can be achieved in a caring, kind, and respectful environment for both parties involved. However, it is important to recognize that this outcome is only achieved if both parties put forth the effort to be successful.
In the case of a serious disagreement, it’s important that each party understand and support the needs of one another and be able to come to a compromise before those negotiations turn antagonistic. If the proceedings can’t be agreed upon during these proceedings, the collaborative divorce must be set aside in favor of going through a court proceeding.
Contact Our Morehead City Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Divorce doesn’t have to be a confrontational, negative experience. In fact, it can actually bring be a healing experience where both parties achieve a successful future for themselves and their family. At Irons & Irons P.A., we understand the benefits and advantages of a collaborative divorce, as well as what it takes to achieve one successfully. We will act on your behalf to help you understand your rights while leveraging the benefits of the process.
Attorney Gib Irons is an active member of the Collaborative Divorce Association of Eastern Carolina. To learn more about collaborative divorce, and schedule a consultation with a Morehead City divorce attorney, please call us at 252-585-5150 or fill out our contact form below.
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