Bristol County Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Helping Families Find Peaceful Solutions

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 we 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.

How Our Bristol County Collaborative Divorce Attorneys Can Help

At the Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, we understand that every divorce is unique. We take the time to get to know our clients and learn about their goals and concerns. We can help you understand your options and determine if a collaborative divorce is right for you. If you decide to proceed with a collaborative divorce, we can guide you through every step of the process and help you reach a fair settlement that protects your interests.

Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

Collaborative divorce is not the best solution for everyone. If you and your spouse are unable to work together to reach agreements, you may be better off pursuing other options such as mediation or traditional divorce litigation. However, if you and your spouse are on relatively amicable terms and are both committed to resolving your divorce without going to court, the collaborative divorce process may be a good fit for your situation.

At the Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, we can help you determine if a collaborative divorce is right for you.

Call us at (508) 206-9334 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our Bristol County collaborative divorce attorneys today.