Collaborative Law is a Better Alternative to the Traditional Divorce Process

A traditional divorce through the court system is based on an adversarial process in which each party is entrenched in their respective positions, leaving the divorce judge the responsibility of solving their problems. The traditional divorce system is outdated and relatively ineffective, leaving the divorcing couple unsatisfied with the process. The traditional divorce process is slow, costly and results in the parties "airing their dirty laundry" in a public courtroom setting. Before proceeding with a traditional divorce process, a divorcing couple should spend a day in the family/divorce court, observing how the court functions. Most couples who do so, quickly learn that the traditional divorce process is not for them.

The Collaborative Law process offers a solution to the traditional divorce process. Under the Collaborative process, the adversarial and positional system is replaced with an interest-based, problem solving process. Instead of focusing on each spouses positions, the Collaborative professionals help the parties move beyond the reasons why they are divorcing and focus on the interests and needs of each party. Through a process of problem solving, brainstorming, and creative thought processes, the parties are able to find solutions and come to a common understanding and agreement as to their respective interests.

If you have any questions regarding the collaborative process as an alternative to the traditional divorce process, please contact and attorney at Hamblett & Kerrigan.

Kevin P. Rauseo is a director at Hamblett & Kerrigan P.A. He concentrates his practice in the areas of family and divorce law, Collaborative law, child custody and visitation, child support and alimony, personal injury, insurance defense, slip and fall accidents, automobile and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and civil litigation. He is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professional and serves on the Professional Development Committee and has previously served on the Public Education Advisory Panel of the Academy. He also is a member of the Collaborative Law Alliance of New Hampshire. AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Recipient of the 2014 Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award from the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA). You can reach Attorney Rauseo atkrauseo@nashualaw.com.