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If you have found yourself in the position of going through a divorce, you are probably already overwhelmed by the number of options available to you. You may have gone into the process knowing it was absolutely necessary but not being sure of how to proceed. Unlike other official documents such as a driver’s license or even a marriage license, obtaining a divorce decree is much more involved than picking up a form, filling out some paperwork and standing in a line to get an official stamp. Divorce is significantly more complicated but it does not have to be as scary as you think it is. If you utilize one of the no court divorce options, your divorce can be wrapped up quickly, with ease and without major expenses.
No Court Divorce Options
The idea of going to court to obtain a divorce can certainly be a scary one. Having to testify and even just listen to the testimony of your spouse can be nerve racking. All of this is not necessary though. You have a number of options available to you including a no adversarial divorce, a cooperative divorce and a collaborative divorce. Not only will these options keep you out of court but they also provide you with the opportunity to contribute more to the process.
As the name implies an adversarial divorce is one where the couple is unable to agree to the terms of the divorce and must go to court for a ruling from a judge. The terms the couple is unable to agree upon may include, but is not limited to, grounds for divorce, child support, alimony, visitation rights, custody of children, repayment of marital debt and contributions towards medical and education expenses for children. Likewise a no adversarial divorce is a divorce where the couple agrees on these terms and does not require a judge to rule.
Cooperative and collaborative divorces are divorces in which the couple, as well as the attorneys, agree to work together with the best interest of everyone involved. During this process you would select a cooperative or collaborative attorney and meet with him individually while your spouse does the same. Next the four of you would meet together in an attempt to hash out the details of the divorce.
Benefits of a No Court Divorce
There are numerous benefits to a no court divorce. First of all you save yourself a great deal of time and money. By taking the court system, judges and expensive trial attorneys out of the equation you greatly reduce the cost of the divorce proceedings. In fact if you opt for a do-it-yourself divorce the only costs you will incur relate to getting the proper paperwork filed. However, not all no court divorce options are this inexpensive. For example, if you opt for a collaborative divorce, you will still have to hire an attorney to assist you throughout the process.
Another benefit of a no court divorce is you are not subject to the ruling of the court. When you go to court for a divorce, the judge hears from everyone involved, examines evidence and then makes a decision. Once this decision is made, it goes into effect. There is room for the appeal process but there are no guarantees that an appeal will do anything except cost you more money in the long run. However, when you opt for a no court divorce, it is up to you and your spouse to reach an agreement on all of the terms of your divorce. You may still not get everything exactly how you want it but at least you have the opportunity to negotiate and have more of a say in the outcome.
Finally, a no court divorce can be wrapped up much more quickly and with considerably less stress than a divorce process that goes to court. A divorce that goes to court is a legal process and there are certain procedures that must be followed during this process. As a result the divorce can drag on. However, through a no court divorce you typically can complete the process in the amount of time it takes you and your spouse to agree on the terms.
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