On behalf of The Law Offices of Mary Ann Beaty, PC posted in Divorce on Tuesday, December 22, 2015.
Towards the end of our last Dallas family law blog post on the remarkably positive co-parenting relationship golf star Tiger Woods and ex-wife Elin Nordegren describe themselves as sharing, we mentioned that there is a potential method available for parents who know they need to end their marriage yet want to work towards this kind of a future. It’s an alternative to the conventional litigated divorce process, which can sometimes exacerbate negative emotions and intensify disputes.
It’s something called a collaborative law divorce, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in Texas and throughout the country. Unlike mediation, both spouses will hire attorneys in a collaborative law divorce. However, the goal is to work through disputes together towards mutually beneficial resolutions rather than fight for what each side wants.
It’s easier, many couples find, to continue working together in a co-parenting relationship having handled their divorce in this way — but a collaborative law divorce is not necessarily right for everyone. Some spouses may not be willing to collaborate, or just may be unable to find the trust and honesty required to do so. Situations where a partner uses violence or threats might also be much better candidates for the traditional divorce process, which can offer the other spouse some protections.
Ultimately, the success of a Dallas collaborative law divorce will also depend in part on the experience and training of the lawyers representing the partners. The Law Offices of Mary Ann Beaty, P.C. has three decades’ worth of experience in these types of cases and can help you decide if it may be something worth pursing in your own situation.
