Bristol County Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Experienced Collaborative Divorce Attorneys Serving Taunton, MA and the Surrounding Areas

Divorce is difficult for everyone involved, but it doesn't have to be an all-out war. There are alternatives to the traditional divorce process that allow spouses to work together to reach agreements and dissolve their marriage without going to court. One of these alternatives is called collaborative divorce, which is a less contentious way to end your marriage and resolve divorce-related issues.

At the Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, our Bristol County collaborative divorce lawyers understand the emotional and financial toll that the divorce process can take on individuals and families. If you are interested in pursuing a collaborative divorce, we can help.

Call us at (508) 206-9334 or contact us online to learn more about how our Bristol County collaborative divorce lawyers can assist you.

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative divorce is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows couples to work through the divorce process together with their attorneys and other professionals. In a collaborative divorce, the spouses and their attorneys agree to resolve the divorce outside of the courtroom, and they enter into a participation agreement that outlines the rules of the process.

Some of the key provisions of a typical participation agreement include:

• A pledge to work together in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable settlement
• Agreements to voluntarily disclose all relevant information and documentation
• Stipulations that the spouses will not file motions or other court pleadings
• A provision that states if the spouses cannot reach an agreement, they will need to retain new attorneys and start the divorce process over again in court

Both spouses and their attorneys meet in a series of collaborative sessions to discuss and negotiate the terms of the divorce. Typically, other professionals such as financial advisors, divorce coaches, and child custody experts will be brought in to help the parties work through specific issues. These professionals are often referred to as "divorce coaches" or "neutrals" because they help the parties and their attorneys reach solutions that are in everyone's best interests.

If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the collaborative process ends and the attorneys will need to withdraw and the spouses will need to hire new attorneys and start the divorce process over in court. This provides an incentive for all parties to work together to find common ground and reach a settlement.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce offers several advantages over traditional divorce litigation, including:

• Reduced costs: Because the collaborative divorce process is less adversarial than litigation, it often costs significantly less.
• More control: In a collaborative divorce, the spouses have more control over the process and the outcome. Rather than having a judge decide the terms of the divorce, the parties work together to find solutions that work for everyone.
• Less stress: Traditional divorce litigation can be stressful and contentious. Collaborative divorce is more amicable and less adversarial, which can be less stressful for everyone involved. This is especially important in cases where the parties will need to co-parent after the divorce is finalized.
• Quicker resolutions: Collaborative divorce often takes less time than traditional divorce litigation because the parties are not subject to the court's schedule.

Understanding the Collaborative Divorce Process

Collaborative divorce is not just an alternative to traditional litigation; it is a transformative approach that prioritizes communication and cooperation. At the Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, we believe that understanding the collaborative divorce process is essential for families seeking a resolution that honors their unique circumstances. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel informed and empowered throughout the journey.

The collaborative divorce process typically involves: