Is a collaborative divorce less expensive than a traditional divorce?
It is hard to determine whether a collaborative divorce will cost more or less than a traditional divorce. In many cases a collaborative divorce can cost less than a traditional divorce because of the strong emphasis on problem solving and effective communication. In addition, since collaborative divorce enables the parties to restructure their relationship into one that will assist the parties with communication and problem solving in the future. It also focuses the parties on developing solutions that respect the needs of the entire family. So, the strengths of the process may also enable the parties to avoid future disputes after the divorce process is completed. However, please remember that cost varies due to the unique circumstances of each situation.
A Collaborative Divorce may be less expensive but not necessarily. The total cost of a Collaborative Divorce depends on a number of factors. These factors include the difficulty and number of issues to be resolved, your attorney’s hourly rate, the costs of getting the necessary data or information, and amount of time your attorney and other professionals need to spend on the file. Attorneys’ rates vary. In addition, there may well be different rates for other attorneys or legal assistants who work on your file in addition to the lead attorney. It is reasonable to expect a clear explanation of the attorney’s billing policies. Further, it is reasonable to expect the billing policies to be confirmed in writing. The costs can include court costs (e.g. filing fees or judgment fees) or office costs (e.g. copying, long distance telephone calls, postage, etc.). The cost of other helping professionals on your team will also affect your total expenses. These could include your divorce coach, a c
