New Bern Collaborative Divorce Attorney Law Firm

Understanding Collaborative Divorce in New Bern

Going through a divorce can be a stressful and difficult time. It doesn’t have to involve an adversarial courtroom experience where both parties are fighting to win. There is another way. With a collaborative divorce, you remove disputes by engaging in a troubleshooting and problem-solving process instead of the traditional courtroom where a fight-and-win environment exists. Collaborative divorce promotes working together for the couple to reach a positive conclusion rather than the traditional divorce scenario that is more antagonistic and hostile.

In a collaborative divorce, each party is represented by an attorney who strives to achieve a common, mutually beneficial goal. This process differs from a traditional divorce by eliminating litigation and focusing, instead, on constructing an agreement outside the courtroom.

How Collaborative Divorce Works

The first step is a meeting with both spouses and their attorneys in New Bern to discuss the option of a collaborative divorce. The divorce attorneys explain the process, what is involved, and their clients’ rights. They will stress the fact that in the event an amicable agreement can not be reached, the process ends and a traditional divorce with possible litigation will begin.

During the process, the parties meet to construct solutions that are accommodating to everyone involved. If it is necessary, a separation agreement is drawn up first. This is especially important when there is a required waiting period for the couple to live separately.

Collaborative Divorce Videos

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

There are several benefits to resolving a divorce through collaboration:

Less Expensive:

Save Time: A traditional divorce requires scheduled court dates with more involved and protracted proceedings. This is time-consuming. However, a collaborative divorce can be completed in about a quarter of the time.
Less Stress: Because going through a traditional divorce can be extremely stressful, engaging in a collaborative divorce promotes a friendlier atmosphere. The divorce attorney acts more as a mediator to prevent the experience from becoming hostile. Additionally, a collaborative divorce is more dignified and both parties usually experience a more equitable division of assets.
Make Your Own Decisions: Both parties negotiate the best outcome, instead of having a judge determine the solution.

Your Future is Still Protected with a Collaborative Divorce Attorney

You don’t give up any of your rights when you engage in a collaborative divorce. You are still allowed property distribution, spousal support, child custody, and the division of retirement accounts. You get to decide these issues together, with the help of your divorce attorneys, instead of having a judge make those determinations. We work with unbiased professionals in achieving the best possible outcome, including:

Child Specialists: A child psychologist or specialist can meet with the children to provide their wishes during the proceedings. Additionally, a specialist can bring up issues that allow both parties to parent more effectively going forward.

Financial Planners: With the division of property and assets such as bank and retirement accounts, a financial planner can assist both parties with equitable distribution and future tax concerns.

Real Estate Agents: When there is jointly held property, rental property, or other real estate, a real estate agent can help in determining the value and can provide unbiased advice.

How to Determine if Collaborative Divorce is Right for You

With the help of an experienced New Bern divorce attorney, a collaborative divorce can be achieved in a caring, kind, and respectful environment when both parties are willing to work diligently for success. This is possible, even when there are serious disagreements, if each party understands and supports the needs of one another and is able to compromise in order to avoid an antagonistic negotiation. If the collaboration isn’t possible, then the couple will need to move to a traditional divorce process.

Customer Reviews

Attorney Gib Irons and his staff expertly guided me through the collaborative divorce process. I didn't know what collaborative divorce was when I started my divorce, but Gib explained it to me and it was the right fit for the dissolution of my marriage. I recommend contacting Irons & Irons to represent you during your divorce.

Erin Evans
When my wife and I decided to get a divorce, we knew the last thing we wanted was a long, drawn out court case. We knew that would be hard on our children and difficult for us. I consulted with Irons & Irons about what I wanted, and Gib Irons and I discussed collaborative divorce. I hadn't heard of it before but I knew an amicable experience would be healthier for both us and our children. Thanks to Gib, I got excellent advice and we created the terms for our divorce that we were both happy with. We even got to work with a child psychologist who gave us support tips for how to better support our kids during the whole process.

Matt Parker
My husband and I didn't want to subject our kids to a long divorce or a difficult custody arrangement. I went to Irons & Irons for advice, and they told me a collaborative divorce could be the right option, and I really liked how that sounded. My lawyer and I met with my husband and his lawyer and together, we sat down and decided what worked best for our family. There was no arguing, no fighting and, by the end, we both had terms we agreed on.

Robin Jordan
I talked to Gib Irons at Irons and Irons about a collaborative divorce, and when he explained how my ex and I defined our own terms and we didn't have to go to court, I knew this would be a better option. I'm really glad I didn't have to spend all the time and money from a drawn out legal battle. Instead we both got what we wanted and went our separate ways.

Tom Hill
Irons & Irons were incredible during my divorce. I chose a collaborative divorce because I thought it would be best for my kids. My lawyer answered all my questions, he was always available when I had concerns, and I never felt out of the loop leading up to the proceedings. It was a better experience than I ever expected!

Pamela Gamble

Contact Our New Bern Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Getting a divorce doesn’t have to be a confrontational, hostile experience. With a collaborative divorce it can actually be a healing experience where both parties establish the groundwork for a successful future. At Irons & Irons P.S., our divorce attorneys in New Bern understand the benefits and advantages of a collaborative process, as well as how to achieve one successfully. We provide expertise and are dedicated to work for you.

Attorney Gib Irons is an active member of the Collaborative Divorce Association of Eastern Carolina. To learn more about collaborative divorce, and schedule a consultation with a New Bern divorce attorney, please call us at 252-320-7399 or fill out our contact form below.

Protecting your Privacy ~ Your privacy is our primary concern. At Irons & Irons, we understand the importance of protecting your privacy and will never share your contact information with a 3rd party.

New Bern Collaborative Divorce Attorneys