In the current health crisis, families across the country are facing plenty of challenges. If divorce is on your horizon, you might wonder if it can even be done. Are courts open? Are lawyers even working? We are, and not only is it possible to get divorced now, it might be a great time, especially if you take the collaborative route. Here’s why: The Courts. In many jurisdictions, courts are shut down or limited for all but emergency proceedings. This … [Read more...]
COVID-19 Only Re-Enforces Wisdom of Collaborative Divorce Part 1
The following blog posts originally appeared on the Quaid Farish, LLC. Website. As the inherent nature of the Collaborative Divorce process makes it even more suitable for divorcing parties in the COVID-19 world, CDT felt it critical to amplify the reasons. The social responsibility of sheltering in place and self-quarantining has changed much of our day to day living. In the legal world, courts initially were closed and then closed, except to emergency situations limited to physical harm to … [Read more...]
How To Prepare For a Collaborative Divorce Checklist
Divorce rates in China rose dramatically after the COVID-19 quarantine was lifted and its likely divorces will increase in the U.S. when restrictions are removed. If you are considering a divorce, there are several things you should do immediately to get prepared. Talk to Your Spouse. If possible, discuss getting a divorce with your spouse. Talk about future living arrangements, division of assets, and a parenting plan. If you are concerned about safety, wait … [Read more...]
Divorcing Without a Shopping List
Envision a scenario involving a trip to the grocery store without a shopping list. You have five things you need when you go in. But as you walk around the store you are reminded of other things that you need or you have a few impulse buys. You were anticipating only spending $35 on a few things, but you walk out having spent $160 because you bought all kinds of things that you didn't anticipate from the start. If you had been more organized and gone in with your list you likely would have … [Read more...]
COVID-19 SELF-ISOLATION AND COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE
Something unusual is happening in China following self-isolation of couples due to COVID-19, the divorce rates are climbing according to registry officials. They believe it’s because couples are spending too much time together in quarantine. Self-isolated couples are getting into arguments over petty things and rushing off to file for divorce because they are anxious and angry. Scientists aren’t certain that working together in close quarters is emotionally healthy for couples … [Read more...]
Confidentiality in Collaborative Divorce
A collaborative divorce is a non-adversarial way for clients and a team of trained professionals to resolve divorce issues without going to court. Rather than fight in court and air their dirty linen in public, the clients and collaborative team work together to resolve issues through interest-based negotiation under the protection of a collaborative agreement. Confidentiality and Transparency. A collaborative divorce offers confidentiality and transparency—confidentiality because … [Read more...]
Protecting Our Children in Divorce.
Billy’s parents are divorcing. Billy is 7 years old and he is worried that he will never see his father again. Harper’s parents are divorcing. She is 19 years old and Harper is worried that her parents will no longer be able to pay for her college. Jim’s parents are divorcing. Jim is 10 years old. Jim is worried that he will be separated from his dog half the time. Madelyn’s parents are divorcing. She is 13 years old. Madelyn is worried that they will have to move, and she will lose all of her … [Read more...]
Why Choose A Credentialed Collaborative Divorce Lawyer?
Here are some quick keys for how to find and hire a Collaborative attorney. In 2001, Texas passed the First Collaborative Law statute in the United States, then after the Collaborative Divorce Process evolved, in 2011, a much more extensive statute was passed. Since the first Collaborative Law statute was passed in Texas in 2001, many other states and the Uniform Laws Commission of the United States (which seeks to make all states’ laws uniform) passed its own Collaborative Law statute. The … [Read more...]
How Much Does Divorce Cost?
It’s a great question. And a question for which everyone wants to know the answer, but no one seems to be able to. The truth is that it can be answered, just not with a hard, up front number. The answer depends in part on which process you choose and how much you and your spouse are willing to work together. Let’s do a little compare and contrast. First: The Traditional Litigation Route This is the route people know from tv shows. You file a petition and your lawyer prepares what is called … [Read more...]
Divorce and the Family Home
Divorce is a time of emotional and financial stress for the entire family. The first and most important decisions revolve around the children and custody if applicable. The next most important discussion is how to divide equity in the family home and whether it will be sold or retained. First, if neither party wants nor is able to keep the family home, it should be listed for sale. A realtor can represent both parties and should be someone experienced in divorce and real estate. The most … [Read more...]
