Collaborative Divorce in Illinois

 Posted on June 05, 2024 in Collaborative Law

You might be surprised to hear that there are several types of divorce available. It makes sense that there isn’t only one way to do it since there are so many different types of people and relationship dynamics. With options like contested divorce, uncontested divorce, arbitration, mediation, annulment, and collaborative divorce, different people can find a way that best suits them and their circumstances. It can be a bit confusing trying to understand what each type involves. This article will examine collaborative divorce, which is certainly not right for everyone but can be an excellent choice for people who meet the necessary conditions. It tends to be more popular among couples with children and those with higher-than-average means. If you and your spouse are thinking about having a collaborative divorce, speak with a qualified Kane County, IL divorce lawyer to find out more.

How Does Collaborative Divorce Work?

Collaborative divorce is feasible for any couple regardless of whether they have children or not. However, a large focus of collaborative law is on ensuring that children’s best interests are taken into consideration for any divorce settlement, so for the purpose of this article, we will assume that the couple going through collaborative divorce has children.

When opting for collaborative divorce, the couple in question puts together a team of experts and specialists to help the parents come up with a parenting plan that focuses on the child’s well-being and their ability to cope during this significant transition. No specified list dictates exactly who needs to be on the team, and some couples might add people that suit their personal circumstances, but a collaborative divorce team generally includes:

• A divorce lawyer representing each spouse
• Child psychologists
• Family therapists
• Accountants and tax specialists
• Financial advisors

Requirements for Collaborative Law

One thing that couples need to have if they choose to end their marriage this way is money. Since it involves hiring numerous professionals, collaborative divorce can be an expensive endeavor. It is not a good option for couples experiencing income loss or other financial problems.

Having both spouses demonstrate that they can work together is also essential. Collaborative divorce cannot work unless the couple is willing and able to compromise and trust each other.

If the couple and their team of professionals are unable to reach a mutually acceptable divorce settlement, the team will be dissolved, each spouse will need to hire a new lawyer, and collaborative divorce is no longer an option. They must begin the process of divorce litigation.

Contact a Kane County, IL Collaborative Divorce Attorney

If you and your spouse have been wondering how to end your marriage in a civil, peaceful way while focusing on your child’s well-being, speak with a Geneva, IL divorce lawyer to understand whether collaborative law might be relevant for you. At The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates we are passionate about helping our clients get the best outcomes as they get ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. Call us at 630-232-9700 so we can get started on yours.