Cost Savings Through Collaborative Divorce

Some practicioners try to sell the Collaborative Process as a cheaper alternative to traditional divorce.  I think that this is unfair to clients and incorrect.  It is absolutely correct that the collaborative process will be cheaper than going to trial 100% of the time.  It is possible, however, in a traditional divorce to reach a very quick and cheap settlement.  The difference between that settlement and a collaborative settlement is the way that the settlement is reached and the reasons behind the settlement.   Specifically, the traditional divorce settlement is likely a quick and dirty settlement that does not address the needs and interests of the parties.  In a collaborative settlement, which may take longer (and therefore cost more), the parties will be heard and long lasting and thoughtful settlement will be reached.   Another way in which collaborative work can be more cost effective is via cooperative discovery as opposed to litigated discovery.