What is a collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce is a type of divorce that is based on the principles of cooperation, respect, and understanding. It is an alternative to a litigated divorce, which generally involves the spouses hiring their own attorneys and going to court. In a collaborative divorce in Washington, both individuals (the spouses) have the ability to negotiate and decide the outcome of the divorce. This process is done through what is called collaborative law, in which the spouses and their attorneys work together to come to a mutually agreeable resolution outside of a courtroom. The goal of this type of divorce is to avoid conflict, save time and money, and provide a dignified, respectful solution. In Washington, the collaborative divorce process begins with a joint session between the spouses and their attorneys. During the session, they discuss their interests and goals and come to a shared understanding of the issues involved. They then take this information and begin to negotiate possible solutions that satisfy each of the spouses. Once a mutually agreeable resolution is reached, the attorneys draft a separation agreement that both parties can sign and finalize. Overall, the collaborative divorce process is cost-effective, time-saving, and less stressful than a traditional, litigated divorce. It can also promote understanding and a better relationship between the spouses as they work towards a mutually beneficial outcome.
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