Cooperation isn't a word that many people think of when they think of divorce, but if the authors of a new book have their way, it will be soon. The book, "The Collaborative Way to Divorce: The Revolutionary Method That Leads to Less Stress, Lower Costs, and Happier Kids—Without Going to Court," by Stuart G. Webb and Ronald D. Ousky (Hudson Street Press, $23.95), gives couples a way to avoid going to court without giving up what they want.
Their Collaborative process, which is well-known all over the country, is helping to change how people end their marriages, divide their assets, start over after a divorce, and deal with custody issues.
For example, the divorce process usually starts when one spouse makes a summons and petition with the help of a lawyer. The paperwork is then sent to court, where it is given to a judge. In a collaborative divorce, both parties and their lawyers get together for a four-way meeting to talk about how everyone wants the case to go. All parties sign an agreement that says they will work out any problems without going to court.
The book walks readers through the Collaborative process step by step and stresses what the authors say is the most important point: Collaborative divorces aren't about being easy on your spouse. Instead, they're about getting more money, less stress, and happier kids.
