Effective April 1, 2023, I am no longer accepting new clients and will be taking a leave from the practice of law later this year. Thank you for your understanding.

What is an Amicable Divorce?

Updated May 18, 2022

You can divorce without devastation. As an experienced attorney, I can help you reach a resolution.

Did you know that there are different ways to divorce? If you and your spouse know that you want to get divorced, but you have not reached a settlement, an Amicable Divorce might be right for you.

The Amicable Divorce process is the same as a traditional divorce except for two main differences. First, parties are agreeing to engage in the process by selecting members in the Amicable Divorce Network™ who have been vetted for being solution-minded attorneys and trained in the Amicable Divorce Process™. Second, everyone is working to settle the matter prior to filing anything with the court system which allows for a personalized process for the parties.

Though the Amicable Divorce Process™, the parties work together to define the terms and conditions of property division, spousal and child support, parenting time, and custody. Settlements can be more easily reached when both spouses agree the marriage is over and agree to dissolve the marriage without unnecessary fighting. An Amicable Divorce does not mean that the former spouses are friends once the marriage has ended; however, it does mean the spouses don’t fight over petty nuances and enter an agreed judgment peacefully. The key is to aim for mutually beneficial negotiations, not expensive and exhausting litigation.

Should a divorce require going to court, the process can be both emotionally and financially draining. The only party that “wins” is the lawyers. I truly believe that when both spouses collaborate to come to an amicable settlement, a divorce can result in positive outcomes for both spouses’ futures. The way you conduct yourself during your divorce will lay the groundwork for your life afterwards. This is why I highly recommend talking about an Amicable Divorce first. If you select the Amicable Divorce Process™, both spouses agree to cooperate, communicate ,and exchange documents without costly discovery. Despite “playing nicely,” an Amicable Divorce can still create pain and suffering. An Amicable Divorce is merely civil. The reward is minimal court visits, less trauma for the children, and a less costly process.

While you and your soon-to-be former spouse may agree the dissolution of the marriage is best, an amicable divorce still requires the skills of a lawyer to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement. During collaboration, both spouses retain lawyers to work as negotiators outside of court. Agreements are achieved without a judge. Your lawyer will help keep you focused on the big picture, which is simply the dissolution of the marriage—not determining who is right or wrong. Furthermore, the lawyers will help keep the best interest of the children in the forefront, addressing issues where both spouses need to be in agreement.

I recommend taking the time to determine what’s most important to you. Define what your wants, needs, and non-negotiable issues. As an Amicable Divorce lawyer, I fully recommend clients enter negotiations in good faith, and be willing to reveal all relevant information so an equitable settlement can be reached. Mediation can provide a dispute resolution that focuses on improving the relationship with your ex-spouse so that going forward you can keep your children’s best interests at the forefront and be set up for successful co parents once the divorce is settled.

Regardless of whether you choose uncontested divorce, an Amicable Divorce, or traditional divorce, divorcing spouses should commit to developing compromises and solutions that work for both parties. The ultimate goal is to be able to move forward individually and as co-parents quickly with less pain, effort, expense, and time expended.

Divorce is a difficult even when it is amicable. An experienced attorney familiar with divorce law can provide you with the advice and guidance you need.

For more information on Amicable Divorce Process™, please visit https://amicabledivorcenetwork.com/.