No one goes into a marriage with the thought of it ending someday. However, sometimes unforeseen circumstances make a marriage fall apart or make some differences irreconcilable. If divorce becomes inevitable for a Massachusetts couple, it is important to remember there are alternatives to trial. These options can help reduce cost and stress for the couple and their children.

Mediation as well as collaborative divorce can help couples take a proactive, civilized approach to divorce. These options both work best when couples have approach the divorce with a desire to resolve their differences and negotiate in good faith.

When a couple chooses mediation, they will both gather their financial documents, requests for alimony and concerns about parenting and custody. They then can work with their attorneys or directly with a mediator to come to an agreement for property, spousal support and child custody and support outside of court.

Another approach to divorce outside of a Massachusetts courtroom is collaborative divorce. This involves each spouse working with an attorney that commits to collaborating with the other spouses attorney to come to a resolution. If negotiations fall apart, the couples will have to consult other attorneys to go through the formal legal process.

These alternatives can help reduce stress and sometimes reduce costs. Thought these options aren't for every couple, they can be very successful when both spouses agree to negotiate. If someone knows that divorce is inevitable, consulting with an experienced divorce attorney can help them decide what route is best for them and their children.

Source: Patch, "Alternatives to a Contested Divorce," Jeremy T. Simons, Esq., Feb. 13, 2012