Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining, especially if it turns into a long, drawn-out process. You can avoid some of the drain if you and your spouse are willing to agree to a collaborative divorce. If you're not sure what a collaborative divorce is, it's simply a divorce when both parties work together for the common goal – a quick and painless divorce.

For a collaborative divorce to work effectively, both parties have to agree to certain terms. Before you decide on a collaborative divorce, here are four terms you and your spouse will need to agree on.

No Court Involvement

The main purpose of the collaborative divorce is to avoid court involvement. You and your spouse will work together with your attorneys to reach a fair and amicable settlement without courtroom interference.

In many cases, couples find that it's easier to reach an agreement when they realize that judicial intervention is not an option. If you and your spouse are still on amicable terms, a collaborative divorce may be your best option.

Honest Sharing of Information

Divorce cases can turn ugly quickly, especially when the parties aren't being honest with each other. This includes withholding information that may be important to the other side. During a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will be expected to share all information willingly and honestly.

Courtesy and Respect

There is no room for disrespect in a collaborative divorce. You and your spouse will need to agree to treat each other with respect and courtesy throughout the entire divorce process. This can be difficult if you or your spouse harbor ill-feelings towards the other party. If you and your spouse are still communicating, a collaborative divorce may work out well for you.

It's important to note that if feelings change during the divorce—you are no longer communicating—you may need to step away from the collaborative process and proceed with a traditional divorce.

Promote Healthy Relationships between Parents and Children

If you and your spouse have children, custody and visitation will be included in the negotiations. It's important that you and your spouse work together to promote a healthy relationship between the children and the other parent. This includes providing quality time for the children to bond with both parents. It's also important that the lines of communication remain open between you and your spouse.

You want your divorce to be as painless as possible. A collaborative divorce can help you end your marriage in a respectful manner. If you think a collaborative divorce will work for you and your spouse, discuss the process with your divorce attorney (like those at Albert & Slater PS). They'll be able to answer any questions you might have.