Couples seeking a more amicable and less adversarial divorce may be interested in the collaborative process. The collaborative process is guided by an agreement signed by the couple, and this agreement outlines the process through which the couple will address and seek to resolve the issues incident to their separation or future separation. Through the collaborative process, the couple agrees to negotiate in good faith towards a mutually agreeable resolution and to share all relevant information. Both parties are represented by an attorney. Negotiations are held and decisions are made in joint meetings with both parties and attorneys. If, however, the parties are unable to reach a resolution through the collaborative process, their attorneys are precluded from representing them in any future litigation. The collaborative process may offer the parties a more efficient and expeditious path to resolution with less hostility and animosity, while also affording the parties a greater degree of control over the final outcome than through the litigation process. To be effective, however, the collaborative process requires each party to engage in respectful communication, to openly and honestly share all relevant information, and to value the other party’s needs and interests.
To learn more about collaborative divorce, contact Chapel Hill Family Law by phone at (919) 419-1244 or by e-mail at info@chapelhillfamilylaw.com.