Understanding Collaborative Divorce in Pennsylvania

By Sheryl Rentz on June 6, 2014

Most divorces are stressful and expensive. Getting a divorce in Pennsylvania is particularly challenging when the two parties disagree on important issues such as child custody and property disbursement. A lot of time and money can be saved when the two parties are able to come together and make decisions without involving the divorce court. This is known as a “collaborative divorce” and it is an ideal approach to avoid a judge making some major decisions for you and your family.

When two people wish to have a collaborative divorce in Pennsylvania, they will each meet privately with their lawyer. Their divorce attorneys will then speak to each other and draft a plan for a collaborative meeting. During the first meeting, the spouses will agree to avoid the court. Additional meetings will be scheduled and experts may be brought in to discuss the best interests of any children involved. The goal is to secure a written agreement and divorce decree that is agreeable to both parties.

This process is advisable as it usually helps the two parties begin their new life free of animosity and anger. Collaborative divorce is based on communication and empathy. Having a foundation of understanding is particularly important in cases involving young children who will need both parents in their life.

Another benefit of collaborative divorce in Pennsylvania is that it is typically faster and less expensive than traditional divorce. During a collaborative divorce, you do not have to wait on court dates. You control the timing of the meetings and the progress made during the negotiations. Also, you will not have to pay your attorney for multiple court appearances. Perhaps most importantly, collaborative divorce helps lighten the emotional load. Working together with specialists is far less stressful than a prolonged battle in court.

It is essential to remember that a collaborative divorce does not require everyone to agree on everything. The goal is to come to a consensus and to find a deal that works for everyone. Instead of fighting for your children in court, you work with child specialists and find the best possible co-parenting plan. In many cases, collaborative divorces provide suitable alternatives for spouses who wish to separate amicably outside the court. For more information about your options, please contact an experienced Pennsylvania divorce lawyer.