The Collaborative Divorce Process In Alberta: How Long Does It Take?

Divorce is a significant life event that can come with many questions and uncertainties, including how long it will take. If you’re considering divorce in Alberta and exploring the collaborative divorce option, you’re likely eager to understand the timeline involved. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on the collaborative divorce process, helping you gain clarity on what to expect from this unique and cooperative approach.

 

Understanding Collaborative Divorce

Before we delve into the timeline, let’s ensure we have a clear understanding of collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce is a method that emphasizes cooperation, transparency, full disclosure and open communication between separating parties. It’s designed to minimize conflict, reduce stress, and encourage both parties to reach mutually beneficial agreements with the assistance of trained professionals.

 

But . . . how long does it take? 

 

Variable Timelines

Timelines can vary widely depending on the complexity of your situation, the number of issues to be resolved, and the willingness of both parties to cooperate. In general, however, collaborative divorce tends to be faster than traditional litigation, which can be bogged down by court schedules and cumbersome procedures.

 

Efficient Resolution

One of the primary benefits of collaborative divorce is its efficiency. In most cases, collaborative divorces are completed more quickly than courtroom divorces. This is because the process is designed to encourage early full disclosure, fulsome exploration of options, open and respectful dialogue and focus on the future, leading to quicker resolutions of issues like property division, parenting, child and spousal support. 

 

Your Control Over the Timeline

In a collaborative divorce, you and your former partner/spouse have more control over the timeline than you would in a traditional divorce. You can schedule meetings and negotiations at your own pace, both in terms of frequency and duration; making it easier to accommodate your personal and professional commitments.

 

Completion Factors

The timeline of a collaborative divorce can also depend on the specific factors involved in your case. If you have complex financial arrangements, intricate property division, or disputes over child custody, the process may take longer to reach a resolution. However, the collaborative process is designed to be flexible and adapt to the unique needs of your situation, including retaining a joint neutral specialist, such as Divorce Coach, Parenting Expert, and/or Financial Expert, which reduces the time and cost involved in the traditional “battle of the experts” and ensuring both parties get the support and information they need to make informed choices. 

 

Conclusion

The duration of a collaborative divorce in Alberta is not set in stone, as it varies depending on your specific circumstances. However, in general, collaborative divorce tends to be faster and more efficient than traditional courtroom divorces, also resulting in a more customized solution, and one that is less likely to be sought to be changed by one or both spouses in the future. 

 

To get a more accurate estimate of how long your collaborative divorce may take, it’s essential to consult with a qualified family lawyer or collaborative professional who can assess your unique situation and guide you through the process. Remember that the collaborative approach prioritizes open communication, cooperation, and efficiency, ultimately helping you and your spouse transition into the next chapter of your lives with less stress and more control over the outcome, including the timeline.