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Your divorce can be settled (e.g.
resolving custody, support, property division, etc.) in 4 ways.
First, “litigation” involves legal decisions made for a couple by a
Judge after lengthy and often costly adversarial process, including
discovery, motions, evaluations, mediation, pre-trials, trial and any
appeals.
Second, “negotiation” involves couples negotiating an agreement directly
with each other or with assistance of counsel. Agreement terms are
reduced to writing and filed with the Court upon divorce.
Third, “mediation” involves couples negotiating an agreement with a
neutral mediator who meets with them alone or with counsel present. The
mediator prepares the agreement for couples to review with their
respective counsel before execution.
Fourth, “collaboration” (the newest way) involves spouses using a team
approach to reach an agreement out of court, enlisting legal, mental
health and financial specialists trained in Collaborative Law to address
the unique needs of their family. Spouses are committed to cooperating
to achieve the best resolutions for their family and agree in writing
not to litigate the divorce.
For more information about
Collaborative Law, go to
www.collaborativedivorcemd.com.
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