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A Cooperative Divorce Improves Life after Divorce for All

Posted: Saturday, December 27, 2008

by Karin Quirk
Karin Quirk, Family Law Attorney

Recently while working with a couple to end their marriage I had a sense that something was missing. Through a lot of negotiation and hard work we had developed a parenting plan, support orders and the property settlement agreement. The final divorce would be completed without engaging in litigation. But I felt something was still missing. The negotiations had taken their toll and this couple was so angry it would be impossible to be in the same room at major events in their children's lives. I consider this a loss to both parties and a loss to their children.

How often we read in advice columns about a bride and groom conflicted because a mother insisted she would not attend the wedding if the father was there or the father would not attend college graduation or come to a birthday party if mother was present. What a disservice these parents had done to their son or daughter. Could it have been possible to have divorced differently so the future relationship could be more harmonious?

There is a growing group of divorce attorneys and marriage counselors who insist it is possible. The way a couple handle the divorce process can affect their future relationship with their children and each other. If the divorce is handled in a non-adversarial process with mutual respect the parties can move forward with their lives unburdened by the emotional baggage of a high conflict divorce.

This "respectful" divorce can be handled through mediation, collaborative law or mutual, interest-based negotiation. I categorize this type of divorce under the overall term of a "Cooperative Divorce."

Is a Cooperative Divorce right for you?

Choosing a Cooperative Divorce means that you value an approach that focuses on the needs of the entire family. If you answer " Yes " to most of the questions below, a cooperative process is right for you:

Are you more interested in moving on with your life than in perpetuating a marital battle in court?
Do you want to be in control of your future, including custody and financial support issues, rather than relying on a court's decision?
Do you want your divorce to be between you and your spouse and not aired in public?
Do you want to end the emotional battle--the anger, upset and fighting?
Do you want to be treated with respect and dignity during your divorce process?

And if you have children:

Do you and your partner feel your children are your primary responsibility when making financial plans?
Do you want to preserve your children's emotional health during and after the divorce

Do you want your children to be able to invite both their parents to all the special events in their life?

Your children's special events will truly be special despite their parent's divorce.

About the Author -- Karin Quirk is a Family Law Attorney trained in Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Law, practicing in the Seattle area. For more information please visit www.karinquirk.com or contactKarin by email at karin@karinquirk.com .

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