Imagine having to make important decisions related to both your future and that of your children in a matter of weeks or months all while under tremendous stress and emotional duress. For men and women going through a divorce, this hypothetical becomes a reality as decisions related to child custody and the division of property and assets must be considered and made in order to be able to move on with one’s life.

From anger and resentment to regret and longing, divorce if often accompanied by intense feelings and emotions that can affect an individual’s ability to think rationally and make good decisions. Therefore, while it can be extremely difficult, it’s important to be able to set emotions aside when making important divorce decisions.

If possible, it’s also best to try to come to an agreement with a soon-to-be ex-spouse outside of court. The collaborative divorce process provides an opportunity for spouses to come together to discuss and agree upon terms of a divorce settlement. Both spouses are accompanied by their own attorneys as well as other child specialists and financial professionals who can provide information and help a couple work to resolve and agree upon matters that would otherwise be decided by a judge.

The collaborative law process enables a couple to have much more control over the terms of a divorce. The process is also typically a more peaceable and less expensive alternative to a divorce settled through litigation, which not only benefits a couple, but also shared children.

For each couple and individual, divorce is a very personal process. Despite best intentions, family members and friends were not a part of the marriage and are often too close and biased to offer advice that’s truly beneficial. It’s wise, therefore, to hire a team of divorce professionals who will act as advocates and help an individual get both through and beyond a divorce successfully.

Source: Fox 35 WOFL, “Divorce: Dividing assets,” Hannah Corelew, April 11, 2014