Happy Divorce: Is it Possible?
Sunday, May 17th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
You’ve heard of a happy marriage, but do you think it’s possible to have a happy divorce? The answer is yes, according to a huge number of lawyers. There’s such thing as “collaborative divorce,” which typically brings cooperation and civility to a bitter battle.
Instead of sparring in court, attorneys of both parties will agree to work towards an amicable divorce wherein both sides will be happy. Along the way, they can receive guidance from a financial adviser and neutral mental-health professional.
They say collaborative divorce is cheaper, less divisive, and faster than traditional divorce. Also, it’s more private since the parties will not step inside a courtroom unless the final paperwork was already filled.
An Orlando attorney, Richard West, said “It’s better for clients and for their families too.” Husbands and wives will have their own lawyers who are there only to give legal advice and meetings are presided by a mental health professional that should be neutral and not take any side. This counselor will also steer the discussion towards a productive direction to minimize sniping.
The goal of the meeting is to help design a plan and work out what’s best for the children. Barbara Kelly, Maitland psychologist, said “From the start, you’re focusing on the children, and ex-couples who came out through it say that their communication with each other also improved.”
Tags: attorney, attorneys, collaborative divorce, counselor, Divorce, lawyers, mental-health professional, Richard West