The Evolution of Divorce Services: A Closer Look at Modern Solutions
Marriage breakups have been really difficult for couples and their dependents, leading to broken hearts and bitter battles.
Couples have had a difficult experience dealing with the allocation of parental time and responsibilities, child support, asset division, and spousal support.
In the past, couples didn’t have a lot of options to go for when they wanted to dissolve their marriages legally.
Today, there are more efficient, accessible, and amicable solutions that come in handy when navigating divorce, thanks to the evolution of divorce services.
What is more interesting is that couples can now seek trusted online divorce services to help them terminate their marriages seamlessly.
All they need to do is research and consider reviews from other customers to get services that are best suited to their needs.
In this article, we take a closer look at the evolution of divorce services, particularly modern solutions like online divorce services.
Traditional Approaches to Divorce
Below are traditional ways through which many people have handled their divorce processes.
Litigation
In the past, people primarily handled divorce through litigation in courtrooms.
Couples would have a very adversarial experience, consume a lot of time and money, and, in the process, get emotionally drained.
However, people have not completely done away with this process. In fact, litigation is very useful in complex legal matters.
Mediation
Mediation has been a great alternative to litigation. It is a process through which people who are married and would want to divorce can involve a third party who is neutral.
This individual is called a mediator. Mediators help couples who want to separate, reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
The good thing about the mediation process is that it is faster than the litigation process.
It is also more cost-effective and is not as emotionally draining as the litigation process. With this process, couples have control over the outcome.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is also an effective alternative to the litigation process.
It is a process that has both parties and their attorneys get into a commitment that they will work together to resolve their marital issues without seeking legal means at the courts.
The collaborative divorce process often involves other professionals, such as a therapist and a financial expert, who help in the facilitation of a smooth process.
Online Divorce Services
We are currently in the digital age, where most of the services have been digitized. Today, there are platforms offering online divorce services.
They have resources and tools that guide people throughout the entire divorce process.
Online divorce services simplify issues like child support calculations, completion of forms, and other legal requirements.
These services are convenient and cost-effective, especially if the couples have uncontested divorces.
Consider reading customer reviews and doing your research before choosing to work with a particular online divorce service provider.
You will also need to be keen enough to ensure that you only get the services that align with your particular needs.
The services should also be within the legal requirements of your state.
Legal Tech and Artificial Intelligence
Due to technological advancements, there are tech companies and law firms that have integrated artificial intelligence into divorce processes.
Artificial intelligence helps them in the preparation of documents and legal research.
They are also effective in assisting lawyers to offer more effective services to their clients. Artificial intelligence has helped streamline the divorce process.
DIY Divorce Kits
DIY divorce kits perform the same way as online divorce services. They provide couples with the forms and instructions they require to complete their divorce.
With DIY divorce kits, couples do not need professional assistance. They are user-friendly and cost-effective.
However, they may not be an effective solution for couples dealing with a more complex divorce. For instance, one that involves children or assets.
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
Platforms for online dispute resolution offer a digital space that allows couples to negotiate and get solutions to their divorce concerns online.
The process is easily accessible, so the affected parties do not need to avail themselves in the in-person court appearances.
Another advantage you can get while using online dispute resolution is the fact that it is a confidential process. ODR creates a high level of privacy.
You get to solve your disputes online as opposed to solving them in a public courtroom where people get to listen to matters you would rather keep private.
Online dispute resolution ensures reduced conflict. Parties are encouraged to deal with their problems in a less adversarial approach.
That way, both parties do not necessarily have to go through an emotional toll.
Therapeutic Divorce
Another recent evolution that helps couples tackle the issue of their marriages is the therapeutic divorce.
Its main focus is on the psychological and emotional aspects of the divorce process. It acknowledges the distress and challenges both parties may be going through.
In this approach, there are counselors and therapists who offer guidance and emotional support to couples.
It also helps both parties to embrace effective communication, manage their emotions, and resolve their conflicts amicably.