Like many other states, couples can file for divorce in Michigan without citing grounds. This is called a no-fault divorce.
However, beyond the type of divorce, you must consider if you will work together to agree to the terms of your separation or litigate the matter in court. Collaborative divorce is a process that focuses on communication and cooperation between spouses. Unlike litigation, it is a process handled outside the courtroom.
Besides avoiding conflict, a collaborative divorce benefits the children. Learn about the specific benefits here.
Minimal emotional trauma
With a collaborative divorce, the spouses discuss their issues. This helps keep their children shielded from conflict, which is often seen with litigated divorces. Staying out of court makes children less likely to experience emotional trauma. This also reduces the possibility of long-term psychological issues.
Preservation of the parent-child relationships
Parents work together during a collaborative divorce to find solutions to all divorce matters. This includes parenting and child custody. The focus is to do what is best for the children. This cooperative approach helps create a sense of stability for children, helping to ensure that they can maintain meaningful and positive relationships with both parents even after the divorce.
Customized solutions
Collaborative divorce helps parents create personalized solutions that meet their family’s unique needs and circumstances. This flexibility allows them to develop custody arrangements, visitation schedules and co-parenting plans that focus on the children’s preferences, routines and individual requirements.
Ability to build co-parenting skills
Collaborative divorce often involves the guidance of mediators, therapists or child specialists who help parents develop effective co-parenting skills. Through this support, parents gain insights into the impact of their actions on their children, learn strategies for effective communication and acquire problem-solving techniques that can be beneficial in the future.
When a couple chooses collaborative divorce, it gives children a more peaceful and supportive environment during this transition period. Knowing your legal rights and options can help you decide if a collaborative divorce is right for you and your family.