What is a Virginia Collaborative Divorce?

Posted on Feb 23, 2010 by Hofheimer Family Law

Collaborative divorce has become increasingly popular in the United States. Sometimes referred to as “divorce mediation,” collaborative divorce allows divorcing couples to settle matters without engaging in a lengthy divorce trial.

A collaborative divorce includes mediation, where both parties can work together to find a solution to child custody, child support, and spousal support issues.
Each side, along with their Virginia divorce attorneys, works with an unbiased mediator to finalize the terms of their divorce.

You may wonder why it is necessary to have a Virginia divorce attorney when going through a collaborative divorce. Your divorce attorney can make sure your legal rights are protected and guide you through the negotiations to ensure that you get the financial and custodial support you need. A qualified Virginia divorce attorney can also prepare the necessary paperwork after a divorce agreement is reached.

There are several advantages to going through a collaborative divorce. The first is that mediation saves you time and money by keeping your case primarily out of the court system. This also helps you shield your family from a long and messy divorce trial.

Mediation is also fair to both spouses. Because the mediator is an unbiased party, he or she can help find solutions that the emotionally-clouded parties cannot see. The mediator can offer opinions, but will not force either party to come to an agreement.

Divorce mediation allows couples to put the details of their divorce in their own hands, rather than letting a judge who is not familiar with their situation make a decision for them. While mediation will not work for all couples, it is a more amicable end to a marriage than going through a long trial.

Learn more about when it is necessary to hire a Virginia divorce lawyer.

Contacting a Virginia Divorce Lawyer

The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer Family Law Firm represent Virginia women who wish to file for divorce. We are committed to fighting for your rights, assisting in child custody disputes, and ensuring that you receive everything you are entitled to and need in order to start your new life. Contact us today to schedule your legal consultation – (757) 425-5200..