The Divorce Process

Choosing your divorce process wisely can save you time and money

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce works best when both parties are getting along and generally want the best for each other. This process relies on both spouses working together to agree on the terms of the divorce. In an uncontested divorce both parties file separate paperwork with the court before amicably parting ways. Because things like division of assets and child support are decided on at the outset there is no need for hearings, settlement negotiations or other court procedures. If things are amicable an uncontested divorce is a great option because it allows the couple to end things congenially and with dignity.

Enhanced Mediation

Hiring a mediator is a good option when both parties are frustrated and hurt but are still willing to work together to reach a settlement and stay out of court. A mediator will act as a neutral third party and listen to both sides of the story.

They facilitate communication between the two spouses, so they can reach an agreement that can be used by a judge to craft the final divorce judgement. With the enhanced model a financial advisor and Parenting mediator are included to work as a team for the best outcome.

Collaborative Divorce

Also known as collaborative law or collaborative practice, collaborative divorce is a good option when both parties are having a hard time communicating but feel that they may be able to come to an agreement out of court with some help. It is like mediation or arbitration but instead of using a neutral third party each person retains their own lawyer who specializes in collaborative law.

Before starting the process both parties sign a document stating that they will work together to come to an agreement. If this fails both attorneys withdraw from the case and the process starts at square one. This is often an incentive for spouses to work together to make collaborative practice work.

Contested Divorce

Typically, the more the couple can work together to reach a settlement the less expensive and time consuming the divorce will be. Sometimes a couple will go through several of these processes before they find the one that will work for them. It is not uncommon for an uncontested divorce to go sour during negotiations and need more intervention than first anticipated.

This is the conventional “heated” divorce process which involves each party retaining their own legal counsel and having more contentious issues worked out in court. This is the only option for spouses who are not amicable and are unable to work together to reach a settlement. The formal process involves hearings, settlement negotiations and even a trial in some cases. This form of divorce may also be necessary when both spouses have a high net worth, considerable assets and liabilities, and a lot at stake in the proceedings.