The Divorce Process: What to Expect Step by Step
Facing divorce can feel overwhelming, but there’s a more peaceful path forward. Collaborative divorce allows your marriage to end with respect, understanding, amicable co-parenting and cooperation. Unlike court-litigated divorces, which often escalate conflict, collaborative divorces bring together a supportive team focused on finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
Your collaborative divorce journey begins with a shared commitment to resolving conflicts outside the courtroom. You and your spouse will work with a carefully selected team of professionals, including:
- Collaborative attorneys who prioritize negotiation over confrontation
- Mental health coaches to help manage emotional challenges
- Financial neutrals to ensure fair asset division
- Child specialists who keep your children’s best interests at heart
- Divorce coaches that help you and your ex develop communication skills
The process starts with both of you signing a Collaborative Process Agreement. This document commits you to open communication, transparency, and a mutual goal of reaching a fair settlement while avoiding court litigation.
Financial discussions become collaborative problem-solving sessions. Instead of battling over assets, you’ll work to understand each other’s financial concerns and find creative solutions. A financial neutral helps compile and explain all financial information, ensuring both parties have complete transparency.
If you have children, developing a co-parenting plan becomes a priority. Child specialists help you create a framework that supports your children’s emotional health and maintains strong relationships with both parents.
The result? A customized divorce agreement drafted with mutual respect that reflects your family’s needs. You’ll avoid the public exposure and emotional trauma of court proceedings, saving time, money, and emotional energy.
Collaborative Practice of San Diego is a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary referral network of independent professionals of attorneys, mental health professionals and financial advisors working together to learn, practice, and promote Collaborative processes for problem-solving and the peaceful resolution of family law issues to preserve the emotional state of the family.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation! Let our expert team help you avoid divorce mistakes that could affect your family in the long term.
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal/financial/tax/or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, mental health or tax professional to determine what will work best for your situation.
