July 20, 2022
How Does Collaborative Divorce Work?
Divorces can be messy and difficult, and the more challenging the divorce process, the more difficult it is for parties to manage post-divorce matters, such as co-parenting. At Collaborative Lawyers of Eastern Iowa, we strive to make
marital divorces, custody agreements, and pre/postnuptial disputes fair, less conflictual, and without the hefty price tag.
Collaborative law first started in the 1980’s. There are 2.4 million divorces that occur annually, and of that, over 50,000 are completed
through collaborative practices. Collaborative practice involves voluntary exchange of information, a pledge not to go to court, and a commitment to respecting both parties’ shared goals. Having an
overall respectful, open communicated, and balanced divorce is part of the collaborative process.
Collaborative divorces can be finalized from three to eight months, whereas conventional divorce can take eight months to more than two years. The collaborative process is also more cost friendly.
Other areas to consider when choosing a collaborative divorce is who and what is involved. It is common for other professionals to be part of your divorce, like a mediator, counselors, tax advisors, accountants, and even appraisers. These professionals would be retained by both of the parties, which would split costs and allows for each of the parties to have the same information through a neutral professional. With professionals involved like therapists, life coaches, or counselors, children that are placed in the middle of a divorce can also seek emotional help to allow for a smoother transition with custody arrangements.
Attorneys with collaborative Law experience can be found all over the state of Iowa. You can check your attorney options for collaborative law at our website, https://www.collaborateiowa.org/find-a-member/.
Authors:
Kristen A. Shaffer, Shuttleworth &
Ingersoll, P.L.C., Cedar Rapids, IA
Jacob R. Koller, Member, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, Cedar Rapids, IA
Stop by for regular updates on all things collaborative law.