What You Should Do Before You File for a Collaborative Divorce

The collaborative divorce process is an amicable alternative to traditional court-litigated divorce, as it provides couples with a more peaceful and amicable way to end their marriage.

While working through the collaborative divorce, each spouse needs to be committed to the process and work together towards a peaceful resolution and stay out of court.

Our clients often ask us what they should do before starting their divorce process. Here are a few things we recommend:

• Gather all of your financial documents – incomes, debts, assets, investments, tax returns, etc. – the more transparent each of you can be, the more the lines of communication open
• Educate yourself about how collaborative divorces work in California
• Make a list of the items you want to address in the divorce agreement – property & asset division, custody, spousal support
• Keep your children’s needs at the forefront always
• Be open to working with the mental health expert on your team to help you to process the emotions that divorce often brings

When couples start down the road of divorce, collaborative or not it is a big step to take, so it vitally important that you are sure that divorce is the only path forward for you and your partner. Once opened, it can rarely be closed back up.

When you take these steps, you will be better prepared to navigate the collaborative divorce process and reach a mutually amicable resolution to dissolve your marriage.

When you utilize the experts in the Los Angeles Consensual Dispute Resolution Family Law Association, we will help to assist you with your divorce. We will work to help facilitate an agreement that both of you agree upon without appearing in court.

Call us today if you would like to learn more about how our members at the LACFLA can help you and your family through your divorce and preserve your and your family’s well-being!

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.