Is Collaborative Divorce the Right Choice for Your Michigan Divorce?

 Posted on December 23, 2021 in Divorce

Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through, no matter how appropriate or necessary it might be for their situation. Although the process can be painful, it does not necessarily need to be a process that is filled with acrimony and contempt. There are methods of alternative dispute resolution available to couples in Michigan that can lessen the stress that so often accompanies this process. A Novi, MI divorce attorney can evaluate your situation and discuss whether a collaborative divorce would be beneficial in your situation.

What Is a Collaborative Divorce?

In a normal divorce case, a judge will determine issues related to the parties’ marriage, such as child custody, support, alimony, and property division, usually following a trial at which both parties present evidence through their attorneys. In a collaborative divorce case, however, spouses agree to take all steps necessary to reach a peaceful and mutually acceptable agreement on all issues in their divorce. With the help of a collaborative divorce team, which includes attorneys for both parties, as well as other professionals, such as a financial advisor and a mental health counselor, the parties communicate directly with one another in order to reach a divorce settlement.

Divorce Mediation

Another option for resolving a divorce may be mediation. During mediation, both spouses and their attorneys work with a neutral, third-party mediator who tries to help them communicate their concerns and reach a mutually acceptable agreement that encompasses all of the outstanding issues related to their divorce. The role of the mediator is to explore areas of concern with each party, reduce misunderstandings between the parties, and propose different solutions to the disputes.

Mediation is a confidential process and is non-binding. This means that if mediation fails to produce an agreement between you and your spouse, you simply move on to court proceedings and follow the process of a traditional divorce.

While mediation is an alternative option in divorce, a judge may order a couple to try mediation to see if they can reach an agreement on issues that need to be addressed in their divorce, especially when it comes to child custody and parenting time. A mediator may also be able to help the couple resolve issues regarding the division of assets and debts, as well as other financial issues.

Contact a Farmington Hills Collaborative Divorce Attorney

If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage and you think that collaborative divorce may be an option, contact Elkouri Heath, PLC at 248-344-9700 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Novi, MI divorce lawyers and find out what legal direction may be the best one for you take.

Source:

https://michiganlegalhelp.org/self-help-tools/family/mediation-and-other-forms-of-settlement