From the legal costs and long timetables to making your relationship a public record, divorce litigation is a painful path to follow. Though you’re not without options.
Collaborative divorce, legal separation, and mediation are three alternative divorce solutions that can lead you to finalization without the headaches of litigation. However, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you and your family. Read on for a better understanding of these alternative divorce solutions, and contact our offices for help figuring out which path to take.
Collaborative Divorce
As opposed to divorce litigation, which is best when spouses are unable to work together, a collaborative divorce depends on your ability to reach a shared resolution. You’ll still have your own attorney in a collaborative divorce, though the process is more casual than litigation. Your lawyers will prepare a Judgment, which is then signed and filed with the court before becoming enforceable. The costs for collaborative divorce are usually higher than mediation and lower than litigation, with a quicker timeline than litigation. If you and your spouse are still able to collaborate towards a mutual settlement, this route is less costly than traditional divorce and poses a tighter timetable for finalization.
Legal Separation
While a traditional divorce legally dissolves your marriage, legal separation is a bit less “formal.” It’s essentially a court order that lists the rights and duties of each spouse while they’re still married, but living apart.
Both divorce and separation split couples financially and outline provisions for custody, alimony, and spousal support, though divorce is a more surefire route to protecting your finances. You can think of legal separation as stalling your marriage to live separate lives, in separate homes. For help submitting a court order and putting together a legal separation agreement, reach out to our offices for a consultation.
Divorce Mediation
Out of these three alternative divorce solutions, mediation is the fastest, most collaborative, confidential, and cost-effective. With only one attorney between both spouses, legal rates are lower, and meetings are easier to schedule, streamlining the process. Perhaps most importantly, your case will be completely confidential. While traditional divorce makes your relationship a public record, all documents and matters discussed in mediation are kept under wraps for your comfort, save for the final judgment.
Delivering Alternative Divorce Solutions to OC Families
Divorce is an emotional journey to endure. On top of the bitterness and anger which often result from a formal separation, the subsequent legal battles tend to make the whole process even more painful. At the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens, we revel in the power of choice. When spouses face divorce, they’re presented with a slew of decisions with a handful of potential outcomes. Our attorneys are believers in the best possible outcome, where a former couple chooses peace over destruction, so that they can finally move on to their next chapter. We can help with that. No matter your desired path – divorce mediation, a negotiated settlement, or even litigation – The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens will achieve the best possible outcome by reaching a settlement that keeps all involved parties in mind. Visit our website to review our family law services or contact us online for a free consultation.