Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, collaborative divorce is generally faster than a contested divorce in North Carolina. Here’s why:

1. Less Adversarial Process

• Collaborative divorce focuses on mutual agreements and open communication rather than court battles. This reduces delays caused by contentious litigation.

2. Avoids Lengthy Court Proceedings

• Since both parties and their attorneys agree to resolve all issues outside of court, there is no need to wait for court hearings or trials, which can significantly extend the timeline in a contested divorce.

3. Streamlined Negotiation

• Collaborative divorce encourages both parties to work together with their attorneys and sometimes other professionals (e.g., financial advisors, child specialists) to reach an agreement more efficiently.

4. Customizable Timeline

• Unlike contested divorces, which are subject to the court’s schedule, a collaborative divorce allows the parties to set their own pace, often resulting in faster resolution.

5. Reduced Emotional Conflict

• By minimizing conflict, collaborative divorce can help the process move more quickly, as emotional disputes are less likely to delay negotiations.

6. Potential Challenges

• If the collaborative process fails and the case proceeds to court, new attorneys must be hired, which can extend the timeline. However, this is relatively rare when both parties are committed to the collaborative approach.

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