COULD A NEGOTIATED DIVORCE BE THE BEST OPTION FOR COUPLES?

For those in Michigan who are considering filing for divorce, the manner in which that process is approached can have a great deal of impact on the final outcome. While many divorce cases from decades past were handled in front of a court, there are many options available today that take a far less contentious approach. Negotiated divorce is becoming the preferred approach for many couples, and for good reason. By avoiding litigation, couples can reach the end of their marriage more quickly, with less expense and, in many cases, with far less emotional damage.

When considering a negotiated approach, there are several different options. Couples can pursue a cooperative divorce, during which each party is represented by their own attorney, and those legal representatives work together to reach a resolution on any items of dispute. Another option is a collaborative divorce. This approach involves a high level of cooperation between spouses, with a commitment of reaching the end of the marriage with as little contention as possible.

Yet another option is to try mediation. Mediation is an approach in which both parties sit down together to work through the details of their divorce, with the help of a trained mediator who can provide legal information and guide the parties toward resolution. Mediation is best applied when spouses still hold a high level of respect for one another and have no resentments that could hinder the process.

The most important thing for Michigan spouses to keep in mind is that when it comes to divorce, there is simply no one-size-fits-all solution. Each divorce is as unique as the couple it serves, and can be customized to suit the needs and goals of the parties. When spouses are able to negotiate the terms of their divorce, the outcome is usually better for all involved. The options presented above are certainly worth consideration, and could assist many couples in resolving their divorce and moving forward with their lives.

Source: Huffington Post, Divorce Confidential: Should I Negotiate or Litigate My Divorce?, Caroline Choi, Sept. 25, 2013