Washington Collaborative Divorce Process

When most people think about ending a marriage, stress and complex emotions are typically the first things that come to mind. Many couples think that divorces must involve conflict and animosity, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you believe you and your spouse can dissolve your marriage in a calm manner with a shared goal to decide what is fair for both parties, you may be able to skip the litigation process and opt for a collaborative divorce instead.

Why Consider a Collaborative Divorce?

When you decide to go the litigation route and take your divorce through the court systems, a judge has the temporary and final say in the conditions surrounding your divorce. In a collaborative divorce, however, you and your spouse remain in control, working together to achieve resolution. The cooperative nature of these divorce proceedings typically allows parents to place more personal emphasis on the needs of children as well as other matters the couple care deeply about and even reduces attorney fees and court costs. This route is more amicable and much less stressful.

How to Execute a Washington Collaborative Divorce

Both you and your spouse will need to retain a Washington collaborative divorce attorney to handle your case. Instead of looking out only for their client, your lawyers will work together to figure out an agreeable end to the marriage. We service clients living in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, WA, and we are here to help.

In addition to each of your lawyers, you will consult with experts, including an accountant, a real estate broker, and a child custody specialist. These experts will be neutral, unlike in the traditional divorce process, and are there to help you make decisions that are best for everyone involved.

Participation Agreement

To begin a collaborative divorce, an agreement must be signed stating that both spouses and lawyers agree to work out the details of the divorce in a respectful manner out of court.

What If We Can’t Agree?

This type of divorce is not the ideal solution for all couples. If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement, it may be more effective to pursue the traditional divorce process. If you have already started collaborative proceedings, you will need to start over and consult a new lawyer. Additionally, anything revealed during the initial process is considered protected and can’t be used in court.

At LaCoste Law, our Washington collaborative divorce attorney can help you navigate the process. Please contact us or email us at info@lacostefamilylaw.com to determine if this type of divorce is right for you. We work with people in and around Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, WA.