Could collaborative divorce be right for you?

On behalf of Scaringi Law posted in Family Law on Friday, July 3, 2015.

For many people whose marriage ends in a divorce, it is undoubtedly the most stressful thing that they will go through in their lifetime. While stress in a divorce may be inevitable, the approach taken to divorce could have a bearing on just how difficult the process is. For some individuals, seeking to keep the conflict to a minimum, collaborative divorce may be a good option.

A reduction in stress is one of many potential benefits to collaborative divorce. Other characteristics that make it appealing include the fact that it is less expensive and generally takes less time than a traditional divorce. In addition, couples who have children often find that it is easier on the younger members of their family.

Couples who use the collaborative option both hire lawyers who have been trained in the method. These individuals are there to help reach a resolution. Other financial and mental health professionals may be used as well to move the process forward.

This approach is gaining traction throughout the nation including in the state of Pennsylvania. Earlier this year the Family Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association unanimously approved a draft of the Pennsylvania Uniform Collaborative Law Act. More recently, a full board and the House of Delegates of the PBA approved a resolution supporting the proposal. The bill's next step is an introduction in the Legislature.

Regardless of the approach taken to resolve a divorce, it is important to have a lawyer on your side to help make sure your best interests are being looked out for.