| COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE | LITIGATION DIVORCE |
| The couple controls the process and make final decisions. | Judge controls the process and makes final decisions. |
| The process is affordable: costs are limited. | The process is much more expensive. There can be unforeseen expenses, such as post-judgement litigation and appeals. |
| The couple determines the timing of events in a collaborative divorce. | Timing of events is dictated by the Judge. |
| The couple chooses and retains experts and specialists who can guide them in achieving MUTUALLY beneficial solutions. | Specialists and experts may be chosen and retained separately and therefore couple encounters higher expenses. |
| Collaborative lawyers brainstorm solutions that benefit both parties and their children. | Each party’s lawyer fights to win. Some litigators prefer trials to maximize their fees at the clients’ greatest expense. |
| The couple communicates openly and honestly while keeping negotiation private and confidential. | Communication is one-sided and Court -driven while information is not always private. |
| Collaborative divorce can be a healing process and provide a good divorce aftermath. | Litigation causes bitterness and can lead to an unjust resolution and a horrible divorce aftermath. |
