Reaching an agreement regarding the terms of a marital dissolution without judicial intervention represents a collaborative approach. This process involves spouses working together, often with the assistance of mediators or collaborative divorce professionals, to resolve issues such as asset division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. A concrete example includes both parties agreeing to divide marital assets equally, establishing a visitation schedule for children that accommodates both parents’ work schedules, and determining a fair amount for monthly child support payments based on established guidelines.
Opting for this resolution method can offer significant advantages, including reduced financial costs, minimized emotional distress, and greater control over the outcome. Unlike court proceedings, which are public record, these settlements allow for privacy and discretion. Historically, resolving these disputes amicably was less common; however, there has been a growing recognition of the benefits of collaborative divorce and mediation in recent decades, leading to increased adoption rates.