Georgia Collaborative Divorce and Family Law Blog

Measuring the True Cost of Divorce

I have posted a number of articles on my Georgia Family Law Blog site on the topic of Collaborative Divorce Law. The following, about the intangible values in resolving a divorce case in a more respectful manner, is from an article by Bruce Derman, Ph.D., of The Coalition for Collaborative Divorce, from its site, NoCourtDivorce.com:

There are many things that go into the price of a divorce besides money and property. See if any of the following are costly for you by filling in the value of each item. At the end total the amounts and you will begin to see the true cost of your divorce.

What is it worth to truly celebrate your child's wedding together?	$_______
What is it worth to be able to co-parent your children?	$_______
What is it worth for your child to not end up in therapy as a result of your divorce?	$_______
What is it worth for your children not to be emotionally scarred from your divorce?	$_______
What is it worth to have your ex support your visions for your children?	$_______
What is it worth to be able to look in your adult son or daughters eyes knowing you ended their most important relationship with dignity and integrity?	$_______
What is it worth to be able to have your children grow up in a safe, respectful, non-abusive atmosphere?	$_______
What is it worth for your child to not have to take care of your emotionally following your divorce?	$_______
What is it worth to not drag your ex into your next relationship?	$_______
What is it worth to resolve your long-term concerns for your family?	$_______
What is it worth to not live under the threat of going back to court constantly?	$_______
What is it worth to support your highest self and not your lowest?	$_______
What is it worth to not have to continually obsess on the unsatisfactory experiences that occurred in your divorce?	$_______
What is it worth to feel that the decisions involved tin ending your marriage were not yours?	$_______
What is it worth to live your life from love, not hate?	$_______
TOTAL COST OF DIVORCE	$_______

Why Should I Choose the Collaborative Process Instead of Traditional Litigation?

Lower Cost
The collaborative process is generally less costly and time-consuming than litigation.

Client Involvement
The client is a vital part of the settlement team and have a greater sense of involvement in the decision making which affects their lives.

Supportive Approach
Each client is supported by their lawyer and coach in a manner that still allows the attorneys to work collaboratively with one another in resolving issues.

Less Stress
The process is much less fear and anxiety producing than utilizing Court proceedings or the threat of such proceedings. Everyone can focus on settlement without the imminent threat of "going to Court".

Win-Win Climate
The Collaborative process creates a positive climate that produces a more satisfactory outcome for both parties. The possibility actually exists for participants to create a climate that facilitates "win-win" settlements.

Speed
The speed of the collaborative process is governed by the parties rather than court calendars.

Creativity
The collaborative process encourages creative solutions in resolving issues.

Clients in Charge
The non-adversarial nature of the collaborative process shifts decision making into the hands of the clients where it belongs, rather than into the hands of a third party (the court).

SOURCE: Collaborative Law Institute of Georgia

SOURCE FOR POST: Georgia Family Law Blog

Lower Cost
The collaborative process is generally less costly and time-consuming than litigation.

Client Involvement
The client is a vital part of the settlement team and have a greater sense of involvement in the decision making which affects their lives.

Supportive Approach
Each client is supported by their lawyer and coach in a manner that still allows the attorneys to work collaboratively with one another in resolving issues.

Less Stress
The process is much less fear and anxiety producing than utilizing Court proceedings or the threat of such proceedings. Everyone can focus on settlement without the imminent threat of "going to Court".

Win-Win Climate
The Collaborative process creates a positive climate that produces a more satisfactory outcome for both parties. The possibility actually exists for participants to create a climate that facilitates "win-win" settlements.

Speed
The speed of the collaborative process is governed by the parties rather than court calendars.

Creativity
The collaborative process encourages creative solutions in resolving issues.

Clients in Charge
The non-adversarial nature of the collaborative process shifts decision making into the hands of the clients where it belongs, rather than into the hands of a third party (the court).

SOURCE: Collaborative Law Institute of Georgia

SOURCE FOR POST: Georgia Family Law Blog