As a collaborative divorce professional and a member of Collaborative Divorce Illinois, I am focused on helping families respectfully resolve disputes that arise in the divorce process. The constructive problem solving that comes with collaborative divorce in DuPage County typically elicits mutually beneficial results. Whereas, the adversarial bargaining that comes with negotiation and litigation, can end with court imposed solutions that usually don’t make anyone happy.
With several different approaches to divorce it may be difficult to determine which is best. Some key questions to think about when considering collaborative divorce are:
- Do you want more control over the decisions made that will affect your life after the divorce?
- Do you want to protect your children from tumultuous divorce proceedings?
- Do you need to have a more amicable relationship after you divorce?
- Do you trust your spouse to fully disclose their income, assets, and debts?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, collaborative divorce may help you end your marriage without hurting your family or your future.
Collaborative divorce in DuPage County gives you more decision making power
One of the major differences between collaborative divorce and a traditional approach is the decision making power that you will have. In a standard divorce case, once financial disclosures are made and discovery is exchanged, the case goes to pretrial. During pretrial, the judge has a conference with lawyers representing each party. Based on the information from discovery, the judge makes recommendations on how the case should settle.
Pretty early on in the traditional divorce process, the judge weighs in on decisions that will affect the rest of your life. Judge doesn’t like you? Or just disagrees with you? You may not like the outcome.
When you engage in collaborative divorce in DuPage County, you only go to courts to finalize the terms you and your partner agreed on. That means that you have the decision making power, not a judge. You, your partner, and your collaborative divorce attorneys work together as joint problem solvers to craft a resolution.
You know your family, your finances, and what you want your future to look like. A judge does not. You want the ability to determine what is in the best interest of you and your children.
If you do not want to be beholden to decisions dictated by a stranger, the collaborative divorce process is right for you.
Throughout this process you and your partner are allies, rather than adversaries
The cooperative nature of collaborative divorce can help you and your spouse maintain an amicable relationship during the process and in the future. Let’s face it, when there are children involved, it is best if you and your partner are allies rather than adversaries.
Someday there will be graduations, weddings, grandchildren, etc. Having an amicable relationship helps with that. Also, having someone who can help in a pinch (like taking the kids when you have a work requirement, even though it’s “not their night” is a huge help).
Typically, in a more traditional divorce, everyone is out for themselves; demanding concessions, digging into their position, and trying to win. During collaborative divorce in Illinois, everyone focuses on what’s best for the family; making decisions together, focusing on interests rather than positions, and looking for wins for everyone.
Resolving disputes in the most efficient and effective way possible lends itself to a less destructive situation and sets all parties up for future success.
The Law Office of Tania K. Harvey can facilitate your collaborative divorce in DuPage County
If you want the power to problem solve, make plans for the future, and work together with your partner is the least destructive way possible, collaborative divorce may be your best option.
No attorney or judge will dictate what is going to happen and what your future will look like.
You will have more control over decisions that are made and a greater ability to protect your family and your future.