What Are the Pros and Cons of Collaborative Divorce?
Clients often ask about collaborative divorce pros and cons. There are many pros covered in this article, but one frequent concern is about the possibility of the other spouse being dishonest or deceptive.
This can happen. There are never any guarantees with collaboration that both parties will act with integrity. There are also no guarantees of this in conventional legal representation.
The difference with collaborative law is that a lawyer in this process is required to withdraw upon becoming aware that his or her client has not disclosed necessary information, has been dishonest in any way, or is not participating in the process in good faith. This is usually an effective deterrent for most clients to stay true to the process.
Unfortunately, we all know there are dishonest people who will do everything they can to hide assets or conceal money. You’re the best judge of your spouse’s honesty. If you have confidence in your spouse’s basic honesty, then the collaborative process is a good choice for you.
If you know your spouse would lie on an income tax return or other financial documents, the collaborative process may not be the best choice for you, since that basic honesty would be lacking. You must make the choice that is best for you.
Marcy Jones was one of the first Lynchburg and Virginia lawyers to be trained in collaborative divorce law. She’s a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals, the Virginia Association of Collaborative Professionals, and Collaborative Professionals of Central Virginia.
Want more information about collaborative divorce? Call Marcy Jones at 434-845-2463.
