Outside Help in a Collaborative Divorce

 Posted on March 15, 2025 in Divorce

Collaborative divorce allows couples to resolve their issues outside of court with a team of professionals. Compared to other forms of dispute resolution like mediation, this is a much more rigorous, involved process, allowing you to receive consultation for multiple issues. A collaborative divorce attorney in Michigan can help keep your divorce out of court and protect your best interest.

If you and your spouse want to avoid contentious litigation, you might be interested in a more amicable approach. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we have the experience and training to support you through a collaborative divorce. When you work with our firm, you can rest assured that we will take your concerns seriously.

Divorce Coaches

If you choose to go the collaborative route, you will likely end up working with a divorce coach. The role of this coach is to mediate between you and your spouse, validating your emotions while also working towards a solution. Divorce coaches are trained mental health professionals who are intimately familiar with the heartache and stress a separation can come with.

During your divorce, it is natural that you and your spouse might have some unresolved interpersonal issues. A divorce coach can be especially helpful when it comes to facilitating a productive dialogue and keeping tensions low. They can also set realistic, attainable goals during the collaborative divorce process.

Financial Planners

Money may be at the forefront of your mind during your divorce. If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement, issues like alimony, child support, and property division can be a massive source of stress and uncertainty. A financial planner can give you a full picture of your marital estate and propose a favorable settlement based on your needs.

A financial planner will consider not only the short-term, but the long-term implications of your divorce. In a collaborative divorce, you will be informed of any debts or liabilities in your marital estate. Additionally, the planner can present a post-divorce budget to clear up any questions you may have.

Child Specialist

When children are caught in a divorce, the custody arrangement should be handled with care. A child specialist is a neutral party who is fully devoted to your child’s best interests. This specialist is qualified to advise parents about the potential impact of a divorce, and how to help the child adapt to a drastic new living arrangement.

A child specialist can help you come up with a realistic parenting time schedule that suits your child’s needs. As part of the collaborative divorce process, the child specialist will sit down with the parents and child individually to get a better sense of the family dynamic.

Meet With an Oakland County, MI Collaborative Divorce Lawyer 

A collaborative divorce team can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and resources. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, our Novi, MI family law attorneys will take the time to understand your concerns and work towards a favorable settlement outside of court. Call our offices at 248-344-9700 for a free consultation.