Collaborative Divorce Solutions
A Collaborative Divorce is a unique process provided by North Carolina law to help married couples resolve their custody, support, and property issues when their marriage ends. The ultimate goal of the process is to reach a resolution that will be documented in a legally binding Separation Agreement and Property Settlement or a court order consented to by the parties.
Within the collaborative divorce process, both parties are represented by attorneys and make a written commitment to work towards a settlement of their legal issues outside of court. That written commitment, known as a Pledge, also reinforces important guidelines to help the process be successful. Those guidelines include a commitment that the parties be open and transparent with information, voluntarily provide all relevant financial documents, treat each other with respect, and negotiate in good faith under an interest-based negotiation model.
Rebecca is a collaboratively trained attorney and has helped many clients reach a resolution of their legal issues through the collaborative divorce process.
Benefits Of A Collaborative Divorce Approach
The collaborative divorce process is a voluntary process aimed at helping married couples reach a resolution of their legal issues in a respectful and low-conflict manner outside of court. Some benefits of the process include:
- Group Discussions: Parties and their attorneys can have group meetings where the parties personally express their concerns and needs. Those meetings can help promote trust and positive communication between the parties as they work towards a resolution.
- Privacy: Collaborative divorce proceedings are private and do not have the invasive lens that comes with litigation.
- Cost-Effective: A collaborative divorce is usually far less expensive than litigation which allows parties to preserve their funds for their family and care of their children.
- Time Efficient: The pace of the collaborative divorce process is dictated by the parties and their attorneys, not the court or a judge. Most collaborative cases allow parties the ability to resolve their legal issues far sooner than they would be addressed in a lawsuit.
The length of time it takes to complete a collaborative divorce can vary. It depends on the complexity of the divorce case as well as the level of cooperation between the parties.
Considerations for the Collaborative Divorce Process
While in the collaborative divorce process, it is critical that all relevant areas of the divorce be addressed. This includes:
- Child Custody: The parties formulate a parenting agreement which outlines a plan for legal and physical custody of their children. That agreement will entail a plan for addressing important parenting decisions and what the physical custody schedule will be, including holiday and vacation time periods.
- Child Support: The parties agree upon terms surrounding financial support of their children which usually entails monthly child support, payment of medical expenses, extracurricular activities, and tax considerations.
- Spousal Support: The parties agree upon a plan for payment of spousal support from one spouse to another if applicable for their situation.
- Equitable Distribution: An agreement is made about the division of marital property which entails distribution of real estate, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, and debt obligations.
Rebecca has significant experience with how to effectively represent and advocate for clients as they navigate these legal issues in a beneficial and equitable manner.
Take The First Step Toward A Collaborative Divorce
In a collaborative divorce, having professional legal guidance is crucial to ensure that the process is handled correctly and efficiently. Rebecca can help you make informed decisions that are in the best interest of your family. Contact the firm today at 919-794-3856 or through the online form to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a collaborative divorce.