Families can save on their separation and divorce process if they get Information First.
The reason for this is that there are many parts of the separation/divorce process that a couple can control. The key parts of the process that couples can control (either by themselves, which is free; or with the help of appropriate professionals) are communication and decision-making. If families become more organised in these areas they save a fortune. TIP 1: The way to become more organised is to get Information First.
For the first time in Ontario, information can be obtained together at an entry point centre such as Family Law Pathways Centre (www.FamilyLawPathways.com). In general obtaining information together is the most efficient and cost effective. There is less chance you will hear or find different information and less chance for confusion. If you hear the information at different times or from different professionals there is more misunderstanding and confusion; which leads to arguments; which, in turn, lead to bad communication and bad decision-making. TIP 2: The sooner couples get on the same page together the better. And the longer couples stay on the same page, the more they will save.
Sure, separating couples may not like communicating, but you must do so if you want to save time and money. If you do not like communicating with each other then realise that it is going to cost you both more to work it out (in the most costly case you will need lawyers each all the way, or worse, you will need a judge to make a decision in court). TIP 3: Either you have to make every effort to communicate well yourselves, or you will need to seek neutral professional help to improve your communication.
Similarly, once you are communicating better (and Information First will be the best start to communicating better) then being able to make joint decisions will be the next step. TIP 4: Making joint decisions always involves compromises. If you cannot or do not want to make compromises then the process of decision making will cost you and your family extra time and money. That means less money for you and your children, and more money for professionals.
TIP 5: If you do not take this organized approach, then you are both wasting your own chances of saving you and your family time and money.
Remember it does take two to tango. When we marry, the fact of the matter is that there are always two people who have to make the decisions. This is truer than ever when you separate! Maybe the lack of communication and decision making in the marriage was a reason for the separation. But if you have any hope for a smooth and cost effective separation then you must put that behind you and improve. Use the above TIPS and processes. You and your spouse have the most chance of saving your family a fortune in time, money and stress (and save thousands of dollars on the costs of professionals) if you get smart and start your separation process with Information First.
MOVING FORWARD WITH INFORMATION FIRST
Does this mean that you do not need lawyers at all? No. You need lawyers to help you with preparing Agreements, and any other steps that you cannot do yourselves or with neutral professionals. This is what I have called STEP 4 in my previous blog on this site (recall – step 1 Information; step 2 Communication; step 3 Decision-making; step 4 Agreement – see blog www.FamilyLawPathways.com and the Information First model below. You also need to work wisely and efficiently with the other professionals who can help you at each step.
But you both do need to get smart and start to learn which steps you can and must do yourselves to have the best chance of a smooth, efficient and cost effective separation process. The consultants at Family Law Pathways Centre are expert at discussing this with you. Only then you will be empowered to move forward with healthy separation agreements for you both and your children.
There are hundreds of excellent professionals who want to help you with this new way of organising your separation so that you can do it efficiently, safely, and save you and your family resources. Family Law Pathways Centre website (www.FamilyLawPathways.com) also provides the most comprehensive resource and contact information that helps you begin the process of organising your separation and how to save money and time working with professionals and process are also discussed in the Early Neutral Consultation as appropriate.
But remember, the first step is always Information First. The Early Neutral Consultation is a single-session consultation for couples to hear, ask questions and clarifications of all the information you both need to empower you to move forward effectively and stay out of court. The secret is out!
The PATHWAYS to EMPOWERMENT are yours.
Dear Brett, this article was well written and well thought out. It follows a logical progression of thoughts which definitely begins and ends with, “being able to save time and money”.
The thoughts are written in a very positive way to make the reader feel that perhaps sitting down together as a couple is smart, cost efficient, and may work. S.A.
Thank you for your comment on our website. It is very encouraging and inspiring!
Thanks for the info on your site. You provide a great service to the community! More separating couples should try to get information first instead of rushing to Court. The information you gave our family really helped! Thanks again!