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Collaborative Divorce – The Growing Trend in Divorces

Apr 28 2023 - Posted by , in Collaborative Law, Divorce

What is a collaborative divorce?

In Texas, the collaborative divorce process is an option for spouses who are ready to bring their marriage to an end and who are willing to work together to make it happen. In a collaborative divorce, the spouses work together, through and with their respective attorneys, to find a way to come to mutually agreeable settlement terms. They also engage a neutral communications facilitator to assist in running meetings and a neutral financial professional to assist with crafting a financial settlement.  If other outside experts are needed to help them make informed decisions, they are hired as necessary, such as hiring a valuation expert to assist with a business valuation.

But, while the collaborative divorce process can offer a variety of benefits, it isn’t appropriate in all cases. So, how can you decide if the collaborative process is right for you?

A Collaborative Divorce Might Be Right for You If . . .

If you are interested in using the collaborative process, you will need to make this decision at the outset of the divorce. There are some preliminary procedures involved, and pursuing a collaborative divorce requires commitment from both spouses.

With this in mind, a collaborative divorce might be right for you if:

You Want to Resolve Your Divorce Amicably

One of the most important—and in many respects, the most important—considerations is your desire to resolve your divorce amicably. If you are not committed to finding a way forward that avoids the need for litigation, the collaborative divorce process might not be right for you.

In a collaborative divorce, both spouses agree in advance to work together in good faith. They commit to keeping their divorce out of court, and they agree that if they go to court, they will each need to hire a new divorce lawyer. At this stage, hiring a new lawyer will have both time costs and financial costs, and this is designed to serve as a deterrent to abandoning the spouses’ collaborative efforts.

You and Your Spouse are (At Least Generally) on the Same Page

Since both spouses need to be equally committed, it is important for both spouses to be on the same page. This doesn’t mean that they need to be in complete agreement on all aspects of their divorce (if they were, they wouldn’t need the collaborative process), but it does mean that they need to share a common interest in avoiding divorce litigation.

You Have Assets

The collaborative process is often used as a means to resolve divorces that involve significant assets and/or income. Simply put, the larger your marital estate, the more issues you have to consider during your divorce. Through the collaborative divorce process, both spouses can ensure that they have an accurate understanding of the value of their real estate and personal property, such as bank accounts, and they can formulate a property distribution strategy that addresses their respective priorities while avoiding any unnecessary adverse tax consequences.

You Have Complex Assets Such as a Private Business or Real Estate Portfolio

The collaborative divorce process is also especially useful when dealing with complex assets such as privately-held businesses and large real estate portfolios. Along with valuing these assets, it will also be necessary to determine each spouse’s community property interest, and it will be important to make sure that the decisions made during the divorce process do not invite post-divorce disputes. While it will often make sense for divorcing spouses to part ways completely, there are circumstances in which it may make sense for both spouses to remain involved in their business or investment endeavors.

Your Privacy is Important to You

Pursuing a collaborative divorce is a good option if you want to keep your assets, income and the terms of your divorce private. While resolving your divorce through informal negotiations or mediation can also preserve your privacy, the collaborative process provides the additional protection of deterring litigation. Usually, the desire for privacy will be at least one thing that divorcing spouses have in common, and this mutual desire can help to spur open discussions and good-faith negotiations in many cases.

When Might a Collaborative Divorce Not Be the Best Option?

As we said in the introduction, while the collaborative divorce process affords a variety of benefits in the right circumstances, it isn’t appropriate for all couples. So, when might you not want to consider a collaborative divorce? Generally speaking, a collaborative divorce might not be your best option if:

  • Your Divorce is Relatively Simple – While the collaborative process is well-suited to couples who have complex issues to resolve during the divorce process, it might not be worthwhile if your divorce is going to be relatively simple. If you and your spouse can resolve the issues in your divorce through private negotiation sessions and/or mediation, then you may not have a need for the collaborative process.
  • You Have a Comprehensive Prenuptial (or Post-Nuptial) Agreement – If you have a comprehensive prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement—and your agreement is legally enforceable—going through the collaborative process might not be necessary. When a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement dictates the distribution of a couple’s property and specifies the amount of alimony (if any) to be paid, this can obviate the need for the collaborative process.
  • You and Your Spouse Are At Odds – Finally, if you and your spouse are at odds with no hope of reconciliation, then even agreeing to pursue a collaborative divorce could prove to be too much. While it may still be worth exploring the possibility of using the collaborative process, it is important to know when it is time to move forward with a different option.

Contact Us for More Information

If you would like to know more about the collaborative divorce process in Texas, or if you are interested in pursuing a collaborative divorce, we invite you to contact us for a confidential initial consultation. To schedule an appointment with divorce attorney Christine K. Lincoln in Houston, TX, please call 281-970-9005 or tell us how we can help online today. 

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What Clients Are Saying

I met with Mrs. Lincoln and she consulted with me about my divorce. She was a wealth of information that I did not know or understand and she explained it to me fully. I hired her to represent me in this divorce and she did an outstanding job that was fair to both me and my future ex-wife. She was so good that she helped my ex-wife by answering questions for her after her lawyer would not return calls or emails. My ex-wife is the one who suggested I contact Mrs. Lincoln and made the comment that she wished she had hired her instead. I would highly recommend her if you find yourself in the situation where you need a great divorce lawyer.

- David -

Chris was patient and compassionate throughout my process, which was not very peaceful. I felt I was advised, prepared, and equipped with the knowledge and expectations needed to go through such an unfortunate situation. Chris has continued to acknowledge and answer questions even multiple years after the divorce was final.

- Anonymous -

While going through a divorce can be very hard and emotional, Chris made the whole experience as easy as possible. At no time did she judge me for the reasons behind the divorce and was a pleasure to work with under the circumstances. She was fair, up front, honest and represented me without hesitation throughout the entire process, nor did not try to nickel & dime me what so ever. I was very pleased with the final outcome and would give Chris high recommendations for anyone needing a divorce attorney.

- Kirk -

After my wife passed away, my stepdaughter's options were me or her biological father who has never been a part of her life except to cause problems. Christine represented me throughout the adoption process and we successfully terminated his parental rights and won the adoption. As best I can recall, the only things I said to the judge were "yes ma'am" and "thank you". Prior to talking to Christine, I talked with at least 3 other lawyers, all of which told me I didn't stand a chance at adopting my daughter. Not only did we win the case, I knew we were going to win after the first court appearance.

- Nick -

I’ve known Chris Lincoln for several years. She did my second divorce when my third marriage failed... I knew who to go to immediately.... Chris Lincoln is a knowledgeable, dedicated, hard-working attorney who cares about her clients. She understands the system has worked for many many years and knows the ins and outs of the divorce procedures. A few tough issues came up and she knew exactly how to handle them. She cares about her clients and wants to protect your rights and your property. And most of all, she has a clear head. She won’t let her clients get mixed up in emotional battles that will just prove costly for everyone. She understands the issues and clarifies them quite well. If you want a great divorce attorney... someone who understands the system.. Chris is your attorney. I have, and will recommend Chris immediately to anyone who needs a divorce attorney!

- Jim -

Christine Lincoln was an absolute Godsend for me! she answered on my first call and immediately started to settle my nerves by slowly walking me through my situation and answering all of my questions. She was able, in a short 3 month period of time, to get my situation resolved. She stayed on top of my case all the while reassuring me that she would move it forward toward resolution. Absolutely fantastic!!!

- Marnie -

Chris Lincoln is capable and also personable, keeping you informed through the entire process. She will work for you until the desired results are achieved. I would hire her again (without hesitation).

- Marleen -

Chris helped me from start to finish for my daughters adoption. Everything she did, she did with my daughters best interest in mind. Thanks to her, our family has been made whole!

- Brittani -

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