@collaborativedivorcepractice

Divorce Process Continues Despite COVID-19

By now you have seen several articles in the news about the backlog that Courts are facing due to the delays from COVID-19 Stay at Home Orders. Many articles stress that the pandemic has slowed the divorce process due to limited access to the Courts.

However, that is not entirely true. Welcome to the Collaborative Divorce Process. While this Process has been around since the 1990s and utilized by many Collaborative Divorce Practitioners worldwide prior to the pandemic, it has never been more relevant, helpful, and beneficial to families going through a major life transition.

The Collaborative Divorce Process allows spouses to resolve all issues related to their divorce while staying out-of-court. Each spouse will have their own Collaborative family law attorney with the option of involving additional team members such as a divorce coach (licensed mental health professional); financial neutral; child specialist; business valuator, and/or any other professionals who would be helpful for the family’s circumstances. The team holds as many meetings as necessary to work through the various aspects of a divorce settlement agreement (e..g custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, property division). These meetings are now taking place via Zoom, which not only allows families to continue meeting safely during this pandemic, but it also provides more convenience by eliminating travel time to and from various offices.

Once the couple reaches a final resolution, the attorneys will guide the clients through the Court process and the Judge will sign off on all final paperwork. Even during the pandemic, when a couple has already settled prior to filing their court case, Judges tend to schedule a court date as soon as possible (within the time frames required by Michigan law). In addition, in certain counties, Judges have been more willing to proceed with Zoom or telephone hearings when couples have already settled because the hard work has already been completed. The Judge will only need to hear a few sworn statements from the couple and all final documents can be electronically filed, keeping the team safe and out-of-court during this pandemic. Not to mention, the Judges will appreciate the fact that the family has utilized an out-of-court option, helping them slowly eliminate their current backlog, so they are more likely to accommodate.

Important takeaway: You have options. The divorce process can continue out-of-court and families can do so with the support of a team. convenient meeting times, and moving at a pace that is most comfortable for the family with no court deadlines or backlog issues lingering over their heads.

If you’d like to find out more about your options and the Collaborative Divorce Process, please do not hesitate to reach out. (734) 531-8554; jessica@mifamilylawfirm.com

Divorce Does Not Need to Destroy Holiday Celebrations

When going through a divorce, it is usually hard for parents to imagine spending any holiday time away from their children.  Most parents will agree to a holiday parenting schedule that alternates major holidays on an annual basis.  For example, 1 parent receives Christmas Eve in even-numbered years and Christmas Day in odd-numbered years, and the remainder of school break is divided equally.  Sometimes this is the only "fair" way to divide the time that both parents want every year and it is often used as a "default" schedule in the event of a disagreement.  

What if your family has special traditions or travels for the holidays?  The beauty of utilizing methods such as the Collaborative Divorce Practice is to give parents the opportunity to have a genuine and detailed discussion about schedules with their children.  When parents can sit down and discuss their feelings and take the time to listen to each other, results can be amazing.  Implementing this mutual respect also encourages parents to work together to make changes to the schedule when necessary.

It is important for parents to take advantage of the quality time that they do receive each year and to encourage the children to have fun with the other parent, as well.  Children should never feel "bad" for having to leave a parent during the holiday.  They should be able to enjoy time at each home.  If the children feel like their separated parents support the schedule, they will have good feelings about it, too.  

If you're considering divorce but worry about the parenting time schedule, holidays, and important details of raising your children with a soon to be ex-spouse, find out more about the collaborative process.  Divorce is stressful enough.

Pospiech Family Law & Mediation, PLLC is focused on finding resolutions that help your family move forward.  Attorney Jessica L. Pospiech provides a calming influence and gives her clients the care and attention that is so necessary for families facing difficult and emotional circumstances.  Ms. Pospiech ensures that she is readily available for her clients’ questions and concerns.  Please do not hesitate to reach out.  

              P: (734) 531-8554

              E: jessica@mifamilylawfirm.com