Collaborative Divorce vs. Mediation
When marital couples want to separate, they are often conflicted with how they will be separated through collaborative divorce or mediation. Often, the couple will need guidance from divorce experts to help them determine the best path forward.
Many couples do not know the difference between collaborative divorce and mediation and what solutions each of these modalities can bring to the divorce process. Here are some of the differences and similarities:
Collaborative Divorce
- Uses a non-adversarial team
- Agrees to stay out of court and works amicably
- Negotiation occurs in a four-way manner that happens between the two lawyers and the spouses
- Can bring in divorce experts – divorce coach, child specialist, financial neutral and mental health expert
- Informal and flexible
- More time and cost-effective than litigation
Mediation
- Attorneys are not always needed
- Neutral mediators are present and can help with communication
- Expertise can come from neutral financial, coaches, or mental health mediators
- Informal and flexible
- The power to decide the path forward is between you and your spouse, not the mediator
- More time and cost-effective than litigation
The divorce approach you choose is unique to your situation, and speaking with divorce experts in each modality can help you and your spouse decide the best approach for your situation.
The collaborative divorce process utilizes an interdisciplinary collaborative team approach, which includes attorneys and may include mental health professionals and a jointly retained financial specialist, who all work together as problem solvers to assist you and your spouse/partner in reaching a fair and confidential agreement.
When you utilize the Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association experts, you can let down your anxiety and stress because you will know that when your divorce is finalized, each party involved, including your children, will be ready to face the future with confidence.
Call us today if you would like to learn more about how our members at the Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association can help you and your family!
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal/financial/tax/or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, mental health or tax professional to determine what will work best for your situation.