A collaborative divorce is a formal alternative dispute resolution method that couples can use to avoid the costs and stress that come with litigation. The divorcing parties will meet with a neutral third party and other potentially significant professionals to discuss the terms and conditions of the divorce. There are important steps you need to take to make the process work.
Commitment
Before two people can collaborate, they must be willing to commit to the process. When one person is not amenable, it may complicate any efforts to reach an agreement before the process even begins. You must be ready to communicate and keep an open mind. You are here to collaborate, not to debate.
Gather information
Now that both parties are committed to the process, the professionals in your collaboration process can retrieve the necessary information. Aside from financial disclosures, they will also gather information regarding your relationship with your children, your mental and physical health, and other matters that could affect either party’s current or potential circumstances because of the divorce.
Analyze the information
It is vital to analyze the information to reach an impartial judgment. Combining the joint efforts of everyone in the collaboration process, you can work together to value and access all your assets and liabilities. You will now have everything you need to weigh your options and realize what matters most.
Negotiation
Negotiation is the hardest part because you must consider what you are willing to lose to keep what matters most. You know you cannot keep everything. However, it is not enough to be willing to negotiate; you must know how to negotiate so that the outcome is also favorable to you. Try not to let your emotions get the best of you because before entering the process, you have already committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Agreement
After weighing down all your options and peacefully navigating through any disputes in the negotiation process, you can now work on your settlement agreement. In Tennessee, you are legally bound to your collaborative divorce settlement agreement. Make sure you understand what you agree to before signing anything.