Going through a divorce can be extremely difficult, especially for couples that don’t see eye to eye. In this case, the divorcing couple may end up in a drawn-out, highly combative situation where each spouse fights to get whatever they can, and attorney representation is necessary to keep the peace. Fortunately, however, the divorce process doesn’t always have to be this way. If you and your spouse are willing to sit down and work towards an agreement outside of divorce court, you may find the process to be clear-cut and far less taxing. This is called collaborative divorce.
What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce involves using mediation and negotiation to settle a divorce amicably. The goal of this process is to achieve a thoughtful and fair agreement on issues concerning property division, spousal support, child custody, and the like in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Who Participates In The Collaborative Divorce Process?
In collaborative divorce, the couple selects a team of professionals that may include two specially trained collaborative attorneys, one or two divorce coaches, and depending on the specifics of the case, a neutral child specialist and/or a neutral financial specialist.
As The Divorce Coach, What Is Dr. Schrag’s Role In A Collaborative Divorce?
The divorce coach is critical to the collaborative process, serving to keep each spouse focused on their big-picture goals rather than being reactive to the moment. Left unchecked, negative emotions often hijack the collaborative process and the divorce devolves into nasty accusations and recriminations, which in turn result in years of costly litigation that hurts adults and children alike. When couples are less reactive, they can think more clearly and are less likely to get derailed by the negative emotions that inevitably get triggered by past and present hurts, disappointments, and fears.