If you are thinking of filing for divorce, you should be well informed about the process, procedures and what the road to divorce looks like.
In Connecticut, there is more than one way to get a divorce. Some individuals are aware of this; others are not, so it is critical to know your options.
Traditional
The most common approach, and perhaps the one you have heard of, is the litigation process, which involves court proceedings and a judge making final decisions about issues like property, child custody, spousal support, etc.
This approach is typically adversarial, hard on people emotionally and used when parties cannot agree on the most critical issues and need help making decisions.
Mediation
A more amicable and cooperative approach, where a neutral third party helps the parties facilitate a conversation, is called mediation, and it is used for divorce all over the country.
Many courts encourage mediation before trial because of its effectiveness. It also gives the parties more control over the outcome of their divorce.
Collaborative
Another alternative to traditional litigation that is not mediation is collaborative divorce. This approach requires a lot of collaboration between the parties and their attorneys.
It allows the parties to solve their issues outside of court using various resources, such as financial advisors, children’s welfare professionals, etc.
Each method has its own pros and cons, which is why it is absolutely worthwhile to discuss your options with your divorce attorney.
Every couple is different. Every family unit is different. Having the right counsel and the right approach to your divorce is important, and we are here to help you navigate what can often be a highly complex process.