How to Get Your Spouse to Agree to Collaborative Divorce

If you have been doing a little research on the benefits of collaborative divorce, you might have already decided that this is the best option for you. However, your decision is not the only one that matters in this scenario. In order to actually move forward with a collaborative divorce, you first need to convince your spouse that it is the right move for both of you. That might not always be the easiest thing to do – especially if the split was not an amicable one. When your spouse automatically views you with untrusting eyes, it can be difficult to lay out the clear benefits of collaborative divorce in a convincing manner – even when it really is the best option for both parties.

So how do you get your spouse to agree to collaborative divorce? Your first step might be to get in touch with a divorce attorney in North Carolina. Choose a lawyer who has experience with collaborative law, and you learn as much as possible about the benefits of this system straight from someone who really knows their stuff. Our lawyers can help you understand the advantages so that you can then turn around and repeat this to your spouse.

If you are successful in convincing your spouse to move forward with a collaborative divorce, we can guide you forward along every step of the way, helping you negotiate and seek a positive outcome. If you fail to convince your spouse that this is the best approach, you really have no choice but to accept a costly, stressful, and time-consuming trial. This is why talking to your spouse about the benefits of collaborative law is one of the most important steps of all.

There is no need to try and exaggerate the benefits of collaborative divorce when discussing this subject with your spouse. In fact, trying to “sugar-coat” it can prove to be detrimental. Instead, stick to the facts. Point out the indisputable benefits of collaborative divorce, such as cheaper overall costs, quicker resolutions, and less stress. Everyone wants to save money, and no one wants to go through a divorce trial that takes years to complete. These facts alone should be more than enough to convince most spouses that collaborative divorce is the way to go.

If you are dealing with a spouse that is naturally skeptical, encourage them to do their own research. When a spouse discovers the various benefits of this system on their own, they are more likely to believe them. This is especially true if there is lingering distrust between spouses after a particularly bad breakup. The good news is that even a quick Google search can easily provide people with plenty of answers – and most blog posts have nothing but positive things to say about collaborative law.

If you are going to speak with your spouse about collaborative law, it is important that you tell them the full picture without hiding any of the risks. The truth is that there is an element of risk associated with collaborative divorce. If negotiations fail, you have to fire your existing lawyers and start again from scratch – this time via a litigated trial. Make sure your spouse understands this so there are no unwelcome surprises later on. If your spouse eventually discovers this caveat on their own, they may blame you for hiding it.

If all else fails, you can always point out that a collaborative divorce is usually very beneficial for the children. It is less stressful and takes less time to finalize, minimizing that period of uncertainty for the children and helping them move on as fast as possible. It can also be very beneficial for children to see their parents collaborating and working together rather than hurling accusations at each other during a trial.

If you have been searching the North Carolina area for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney, look no further than Arnold & Smith, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous spouses achieve positive results by guiding them through the collaborative divorce process. We know that collaborative divorce might not work for everyone, but there is no reason why even the most bitter and angry spouses cannot at least consider the possibility of resolving their differences outside of court. Book your consultation as soon as possible, and we can provide you with plenty of legal advice – from how to convince your spouse to finalizing your separation agreement. Reach out today.