As more and more states are giving same-sex marriages legal status, the LGBT community must also deal with the reality of same-sex divorces. Even in states that do not recognize same-sex marriage, those who wish to enter marriage can do so in ways that may not be recognized as traditional marriage, but are legally binding nonetheless. White Plains couples that enter into legal contracts with each other, perhaps adopting a child or buying a home together, also need a way to amicably part ways if the life they build together does not last.

Whether the union is legally recognized or not, both heterosexual couples as well as same-sex couples are finding that staying out of the courtroom is more efficient with time, money and emotion. The collaborative law process is one that emerged in the early 1990s as an alternative to costly and often drawn-out divorce litigation. Rather than emerge from the courtroom with one winner and one loser, collaborative law seeks to have both parties leave the mediation room satisfied with the outcome.

The process starts when both parties agree to not go to court. If the mediation fails and the couple pursues litigation, the lawyers cannot represent their client in court. The process often entails the expertise of neutral parties, such as a mental health professional or a financial expert. These uninterested parties can look through the haze of emotion that often surrounds a divorce and get to the heart of the matter at hand.

In mediation, all options are explored until a settlement is reached. Some say that same-sex couples may be even well-suited for collaborative law because they are already used to more equally sharing responsibility and more easily deal with conflict. Regardless of the gender of the parties involved or their legal standing, all couples can benefit from the collaborative law process.

Source: Huffington Post, "Gay Divorce: How the Collaborative Family Law Model Can Help Parting LGBT Couples," Angie Bain, Jan. 27, 2012