Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

To find out if you should pursue a cooperative rather than a litigated divorce, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you more interested in moving on with your life than in perpetuating a marital battle in court?
• Do you want to be in control of your own future and not dependent upon who has the best attorney?
• Do you want to be in control of your destiny, including custody and financial support issues, rather than relying on a court's decision?
• Do you want to ensure that the members of your family each have what they need to move forward with their lives feeling intact and secure?
• Do you want the cost of obtaining your divorce to be as much as 80% less?
• Do you want your divorce to be between you and your spouse and not have your relationship aired in public?
• Do you want to have a financial settlement that is respectful to both parties according to their needs both now and in the future?
• Do you believe that both you and your partner need to make your children your primary responsibility when making financial plans?
• Do you want to lessen the stress and arguments, when making decisions with your partner regarding your children?
• Do you want to have a good relationship with your children during and after the divorce?
• Do you want to end the emotional battle--the anger, upset and fighting?
• Do you want to preserve your children's emotional health during and after the divorce?
• Do you want to be treated with respect and dignity during your divorce process?
• Do you want your children to be able to invite both their parents to all the special events in their life?
• Does your partner share your values, for the most part?
• Are you both able to think and function with clarity and respect, even if you need coaching to do so?

Choosing a cooperative divorce means that you value an approach that focuses on the needs of the entire family. If you answered "Yes" to most of the questions listed above, a cooperative process is right for you.