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Divorce is tough on everybody -- especially children. If you have any other option - explore it now! Divorce should be the remedy of last resort.
More than 100 studies involving many thousands of families have documented the incidence of behavioral and adjustment problems for children of divorce. There is a 100% greater chance of behavioral problems like: depression, anxiety, aggression, poor school performance, and low self-esteem.
Divorce is also financial disaster. Besides the cost of the divorce itself, family'bread-winners' lose more than half of their accumulated wealth and now have a new and substantial 'tax' on their income: support. The supported spouse runs through their 'half' of their accumulated wealth trying to approximate the family's accustomed lifestyle. Over the past twenty years children in single parent households account for the greatest increase in the number of children living at or below the poverty line. Divorce often means moving to 'more affordable' neighborhoods, less desirable school districts.
And then there's the incidence of parental emotional problems: depression, anger, violence, social alienation, isolation, and/or spiritual desolation.
Every one of these consequences can be heightened, or lessened, depending upon the way you go through the divorce, i.e., your choice of the divorce PROCESS. It is YOUR choice. It is that vital.
What are the alternatives?
"Litigation". This is the traditional court process. Attorneys control the presentation of the case and the Judge is the ultimate decision-maker. It is an adversarial process which pits spouses against each other on the assumption that this is the best way for a Judge to discern the "Truth" about family conflict and make decisions about their [your] future.
"Mediation" is a process where an experienced and trained professional acts as a "neutral" to facilitate agreements between the spouses who work together and make compromises reach decisions about their [your] future. The Spouses control the presentation of the case and the decision making. Mediation is now a long recognized and effective forum for resolving dispute of all kinds. It readily lends itself to many, if not most, families going through divorce.
"Collaborative Law" is the first process specifically designed for the needs of a family going through divorce. First imagined only about 15 years ago, it has already developed into an accepted practice around the world, primarily in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and is growing locally with practice groups in almost every county in the state of California.
Compare litigation, mediation and collaboration.
For more information on how an Orange County Family Law Attorney who specializes in Mediation and Collaborative Law can help maintain peace during a divorce, please call or email us at info@familypeacemaker.com. Bart has Orange County Offices in Anaheim Hills and Irvine. Feel free to contact us any time (no obligation) with any question you have. |
