If you and your spouse agree on divorcing and on the terms, you may pursue a collaborative divorce. This process often serves as a less difficult and more affordable option that could resolve matters more quickly. Even when spouses agree, an attorney is necessary to ensure understanding of legal rights and to confirm the fairness of the terms. A Gastonia collaborative divorce lawyer could guide you through the process.
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A collaborative divorce in Gastonia allows the two spouses, along with their lawyers, to sit down and discuss the terms of the divorce and reach an agreement together, without needing to go to court. Each spouse has their own lawyer to ensure that their interests and needs are protected throughout the discussions and the process. In most cases, the spouses are on the same page in a collaborative divorce regarding topics like:
In cases where the spouses do not agree, they work with their lawyers to negotiate a solution that fits both of their needs. As a result, the spouses do not have to go to court, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of the divorce process. Once the spouses have reached an agreement, they can finalize the divorce without needing to appear in court. However, a judge will need to sign off on the final divorce agreement. In some cases, a judge might not sign an agreement that unfairly favors one spouse; however, by including a collaborative divorce lawyer for each party, most couples can reach a fair agreement.
A collaborative divorce can offer a number of benefits compared to a more contentious divorce process that requires court intervention.
Often, a collaborative divorce is much less expensive than a contentious divorce. Since both parties are working together to achieve the best outcome, the spouses will need to spend less on legal fees and attorney support.
When the spouses involved in a divorce cannot come to an agreement on their own, they often have to accept the court’s decision about asset division or spousal support. Those decisions may not reflect either spouse’s interests or desires. A Gastonia collaborative divorce attorney could help former couples arrive at a solution that fits their unique needs.
In North Carolina, spouses must live apart for 12 months before filing. A contentious divorce can delay the process and make it harder to finalize. A collaborative divorce often moves faster and with fewer disputes.
Collaborative divorce means that spouses can keep their concerns private, between themselves and their lawyers, instead of airing them in a courtroom. This enhanced privacy can prove beneficial to many couples.
A collaborative divorce requires commitment on both sides to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Both spouses must focus on mutual respect and a commitment to their children, if relevant. A Gastonia collaborative divorce lawyer could guide the process and help you protect your rights when it comes to asset division and spousal support. Reach out to the Law Offices of Regina M. Taylor today to discuss your next steps.
