Collaborative divorce in Connecticut is becoming an increasingly popular choice for separating couples. This is especially true for divorces filed in Bridgeport and Stamford Family Court. The hallmark of this approach is the commitment to resolve the divorce without court intervention, adversarial techniques or litigation.
In a collaborative divorce, information is freely exchanged and spouses make a concerted effort to achieve a divorce settlement in an efficient and cost effective manner. Whether it works ultimately depends on the effort and reasonableness of the parties involved.
Another important aspect of the process is the promise to engage in “good faith” discussions and negotiations surrounding each spouse’s individual interests and the overall concerns of the family, including the children.
One of the keys to a successful collaborative divorce is to select the right professionals – not just the right attorney. Therapists, family counselors, financial planners and accountants all have an important role in this process.
When conducted properly it has many advantages (i.e. cost, active participation, privacy) and most importantly insulating the children from the parent’s acrimony and conflict.
However, the approach is not well suited for all divorcing couples. For example, if one spouse does not want the divorce, is unwilling to compromise on the important issues, does not wish to be transparent with requested information or there are issues of domestic violence then collaborative divorce is not an option.
The collaborative method does require that a divorce case be filed in Family Court. But if the collaborative process has worked well, then usually only one court appearance for an uncontested divorce is required.
For more information regarding collaborative divorce in Connecticut please contact me.