Divorce is never easy—but if yours isn’t already contentious or abusive, you may be able to make it easier by opting for collaborative divorce. A drawn-out courtroom battle only adds stress to a situation that’s already incredibly painful. Compared to traditional litigation, collaborative divorce is a more peaceful alternative that allows divorcing couples to navigate their split respectfully. With the help of a Houston divorce attorney, you can work through this time in a way that preserves your co-parenting relationship and prepares you for life after divorce.
Attorney Kevin Hunter has committed his career to advocating for the men, women, and children he represents. His in-depth knowledge of the legal process is heightened by his professional background, which includes time in the armed services, working as a firefighter, and serving the community in law enforcement. If you’re preparing for your Texas divorce, call at 713-333-4430 to schedule a consultation with our family law firm in Houston.
What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce is an out-of-court process that aims to help couples work toward a mutually beneficial divorce agreement. It favors cooperation over conflict. While a traditionally litigated divorce involves taking your divorce in front of the judge, presenting your evidence (often with considerable mud slinging on one or both sides), collaborative divorce keeps the matter private.
Both sides have their own divorce lawyers. These lawyers know the collaborative process and how best to advocate for their client during it—as well as what makes collaborative divorce different from more traditional ways to navigate this process.
Collaborative Divorce Process in Texas
There’s no doubt that collaborative divorce is growing in popularity; the Collaborative Family Law Act in Texas highlights the importance of settling these matters privately and in a collaborative matter whenever possible, particularly when those matters involve children.
At the beginning, both parties and their attorneys meet. They typically sign paperwork to agree to work toward a settlement. In some cases, the parties may bring in additional outside help, such as financial professionals, mental health professionals, and child behavior specialists to work out a divorce settlement agreement that meets everyone’s needs.
During a set of structured meetings, the divorcing couple identifies issues and discusses options with the help of their attorneys. Potential solutions are suggested, negotiated, and eventually agreed upon.
Once the couple has agreed on the issues of their divorce, everything is drawn up into a formal divorce settlement agreement. The agreement goes to the court to await judge approval. Assuming approval is granted, the entire matter is private and stays out of the public eye.
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce
Those who advocate for collaborative divorce note the wide range of benefits it offers:
- Privacy: It can be stressful and embarrassing knowing that the details of your divorce are publicly accessible via court documents. Collaborative divorce avoids this issue.
- Control: Instead of putting your future in the hands of a judge, spouses work together to design solutions that work for their family. It’s also an excellent practice in cooperation and compromise that can serve co-parents well.
- Reduced conflict: Instead of pitting the couple against each other, collaborative divorce focuses on helping them work together to solve problems. The parties involved maintain their civility, mutual respect, and co-parenting relationship moving forward.
- Child-focused approach: Collaborative divorce is often chosen by couples who have minor children they will need to co-parent. This choice puts the child first and shields them from potential conflict.
Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You?
There are no cut-and-dry rules about whether or not collaborative divorce is right for you. It really comes down to the details of your specific situation. When you retain a divorce law firm, your lawyer can help you determine whether or not it’s a viable option. It tends to work well in cases involving:
- Couples willing to negotiate in good faith
- Couples who have committed to full financial transparency
- A proven ability to keep communication respectful and take a step back when respectful communication is not possible
Unfortunately, there are also situations where this type of divorce may not be practical. This includes divorces involving massive power or finance imbalances, domestic abuse, or one party who is more committed to hurting their ex than to a peaceful divorce. Your divorce lawyer can help you decide which option best suits you.
Explore Your Legal Options With a Divorce Attorney at Boudreaux Hunter & Associates
Wondering if collaborative divorce could be right for you as you look ahead to life after divorce? Set up a consultation at our divorce law firm to discuss your needs in greater detail. Just contact us online or call us at 713-333-4430.
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