Costs and Timelines for Collaborative Divorce

These are two of the most frequently asked questions about collaborative divorce in Nebraska — and, as with all types of divorce resolution, there’s no one standard answer.


Because a team of professionals is involved, many people automatically think collaborative divorce will be expensive. It doesn’t have to be. Collaborative divorce is frequently less expensive than litigation — even cases that don’t go to trial. That’s because litigation requires more paperwork — court filing fees and costs related to discovery — witness fees, subpoena fees, and court reporter fees.) There is no discovery in collaborative divorce. Any information that is brought up is collected and shared by the spouses themselves.


Collaborative divorce can cost more than a mediated divorce — but even with mediation, each party often still has his or her own attorney.


As for timelines, collaborative cases can go as fast or as slow as you want. You’re not waiting on a judge to set a deadline to discuss issues. Collaborative divorces move at the speed dictated by the couple and the collaborative team.


Cases will generally be resolved faster when the parties are willing to communicate and compromise, are prompt in supplying requested information (especially financial documents), and have some flexibility in scheduling — especially when conducting four-ways and five-way meetings.


Recent data shows that 90% of all litigated cases will return to court, while 90% of collaborative cases never return to court.