For many couples, choosing the collaborative process for their divorce is the best option. In a collaborative divorce, spouses work within a structured framework to resolve their differences amicably without going to court. In many ways, a collaborative divorce falls in between an uncontested divorce (also called a dissolution) and what many people think of when they hear the term “contested divorce” – an adversarial, expensive court battle where the parties submit their differences to a judge.
If you are considering a collaborative divorce, there are many resources online to help you begin to understand the process. One of these resources is the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals’ (IACP) website. While many of the IACP’s resources are intended for divorce professionals, their site also includes several articles with practical information for spouses contemplating a collaborative divorce.
Resources for Divorcing Spouses from the IACP
What is Collaborative Practice?
For an overview of what to expect if you choose to pursue a collaborative divorce, you can read: What is Collaborative Practice? This short article outlines the six hallmarks of the collaborative process (you can also read IACP’s Four Key Elements of a collaborative divorce), and explains the lawyers’ roles in representing each spouse individually.
Will it Work for Me?
Will it Works for Me?, the IACP discusses many of the considerations that go into the decision to pursue a collaborative divorce. These include assessing your values and understanding how they relate (or don’t relate) to the collaborative process. Based on these considerations, individuals considering a collaborative divorce should ask themselves questions such as:
- Are you and your spouse able to treat one another with respect?
- Do you have children whose needs should come first?
- Are you and your spouse able to objectively and ethically consider each other’s wants and needs?
- Are you willing to work cooperatively to end your marriage?
- Do you want to maintain control over the outcome of your divorce?
Glossary of Terms
The IACP’s website also includes a Glossary of Terms that provides brief explanations of many of the words and phrases you are likely to hear during your divorce. You can also click the links below to learn more on our website about terms such as:
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child Support
- Dissolution and Uncontested Divorce
- LGBT Separations
- Mediation
- No-Fault Divorce
- Prenuptial Agreement
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
The IACP’s Questions and Answers (FAQs) page provides answers to questions in eight different areas that are relevant to divorcing spouses. These include things like: Collaborative Practice and Mediation; The Collaborative Team; Minimizing the Hostility; and, Collaborative Practice Step by Step. Each answer will help you better understand what to expect from a collaborative divorce and decide if a collaborative divorce might be right for you.
You can also check out our Collaborative Divorce FAQs page.
Are You Considering a Collaborative Divorce?
If you are considering a collaborative divorce, before making any decisions, you should speak with an experienced local divorce attorney. At Laubacher & Co., we offer free initial consultations at our offices in Cleveland, OH. The purpose (or one of the purposes) of this free consultation is for you to have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the different divorce options that are available. While online resources like the IACP are a good place to start, they are not a substitute for getting personalized legal advice about your unique set of circumstances.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Laubacher & Co. | Cleveland, OH Divorce Attorneys
To schedule your free divorce consultation, please call (440) 336-8687 or contact us online. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Get a fresh start today.