Collaborative Divorce may be Good for an Uncontested Divorce

The second decision a Utah couple has to make after they decide to end their marriage is what kind of divorce they want. More often, people are choosing collaborative divorce. This method provides the couple with a more peaceful resolution of their issues in an uncontested divorce, instead of the traditional –and often contentious — route of litigation.

Collaborative divorce expands on the concept of divorce mediation. In divorce mediation, the parties work with a mediator who acts as a neutral party to assist the couple in resolving their differences to reach a settlement. Collaborative divorce involves several professionals, whose focus is to help the family and the children get through the process as smoothly as possible.

In both types of divorce, the court is not involved in the decision-making process. All decisions are reserved for the couple, so long as they are legal and not against public policy. The parties are open with one another and have the services of financial planners, therapists and attorneys to help them. If needed, real estate and/or business appraisers can be brought in to offer their opinions. The well-being of both the parents and the children are taken into consideration at every step.

In an uncontested divorce, where the parties agree on virtually every issue, divorce mediation may be sufficient. There is no need to go to any further time or expense. However, some Utah couples may require a bit more assistance if the property division is more complex or they are not quite in agreement regarding some issues. At that point, it is typically up to the couple to decide what course to take.

Source: CNBC, “Collaborative divorce can ease emotional, economic stress“, Deborah Nason, May 2, 2014