Parsippany Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Dedicated Divorce Lawyers in Morris County

When it comes to getting a divorce, there is one thing most couples can agree on: they want the process to be as simple and cost-effective as possible. Unfortunately, traditional divorce litigation is rarely simple or cost-effective, and it often leaves both parties feeling frustrated and disappointed.

At Simon, O'Brien, & Knapp, our Parsippany collaborative divorce attorneys believe that the best divorce is one that allows both spouses to reach a mutually beneficial agreement without ever stepping into a courtroom. That is why we offer collaborative divorce services to clients throughout Parsippany.

To learn more about the collaborative divorce process, call our firm at (973) 604-2224 or contact us online.

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

In a collaborative divorce, both parties agree to work together and negotiate the terms of their divorce outside of the courtroom. Each spouse is represented by his or her own attorney, and the spouses, along with their attorneys, work together to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties. If an agreement cannot be reached, the spouses can still go to court and litigate the issues, but they must each retain new legal counsel.

Collaborative divorce is often a good option for couples who are willing to work together and who wish to minimize the emotional and financial stress of divorce. This process can be particularly beneficial for couples with children, as it allows the parents to maintain a working relationship and to continue making decisions together, even after the divorce is finalized.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

There are many benefits to choosing a collaborative divorce, including:

• More control – When you go to court, a judge will make the final decisions regarding your divorce. In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will work together to make these decisions yourselves.
• Lower cost – Divorce can be expensive, but collaborative divorce is often much more cost-effective than litigation. You can save a significant amount of money on court costs and legal fees by choosing a collaborative divorce.
• Less stress – Going to court can be stressful. When you choose to get a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will be able to negotiate the terms of your divorce in a more relaxed and informal setting.
• Quicker resolution – When you go to court, you are at the mercy of the court’s schedule. A judge may not be able to hear your case for weeks or even months. If you choose a collaborative divorce, you can work on your own timeline and resolve your divorce much more quickly.
• More privacy – When you go to court, your divorce becomes a matter of public record. If you value your privacy, you may wish to choose a collaborative divorce.

What Issues Can Be Addressed in a Collaborative Divorce?

A collaborative divorce can address all of the same issues as a traditional divorce, including:

• Property division – In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will work together to divide your assets and debts.
• Child custody and visitation – If you have children, you and your spouse will work together to create a parenting plan that is in the best interests of your children.
• Child support – You and your spouse will work together to calculate child support. If you have a complex financial situation, you may wish to work with a financial expert.
• Alimony – In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will work together to determine whether or not alimony is appropriate and, if so, how much should be paid and for how long.

What Happens If We Cannot Reach an Agreement?

One of the most common concerns of couples who are considering a collaborative divorce is what happens if they cannot reach an agreement. The good news is that this is a very rare occurrence. In fact, a vast majority of collaborative divorces are successful. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, both parties must retain new legal counsel and go to court to litigate the issues.

Is Collaborative Divorce Right for Me?

Collaborative divorce is not right for everyone. However, it may be a good option for you if:

• You and your spouse can communicate effectively – In order to reach an agreement in a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse must be able to communicate effectively and work together. If you and your spouse are not able to work together, a collaborative divorce will not work.
• You are willing to be honest and transparent about your finances – In a collaborative divorce, both parties must be willing to be honest and transparent about their finances. If you or your spouse is not willing to share financial information, a collaborative divorce will not work.
• You are willing to consider creative solutions – In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will work together to create a mutually beneficial agreement. You must be willing to consider creative solutions to your problems.

How Can a Collaborative Divorce Attorney Help?

At Simon, O'Brien, & Knapp, we understand that getting a divorce can be a difficult and emotional process. That is why we are here to help you every step of the way. When you choose our firm to handle your collaborative divorce, we will:

• Answer your questions – We understand that you probably have a lot of questions about the collaborative divorce process. We are here to answer them.
• Explain your options – There are many options available to couples who are considering a collaborative divorce, and we will explain them all to you in great detail.
• Help you create a strategy – Every divorce is unique. We will help you create a strategy that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
• Protect your interests – Our attorneys are skilled negotiators. We will protect your interests throughout the collaborative divorce process.

Call Today to Schedule a Consultation

At Simon, O'Brien, & Knapp, we know that divorce is never easy. However, we can help you navigate the process and protect your interests every step of the way.

To learn more about the collaborative divorce process, call our firm at (973) 604-2224 or contact us online.